Dawgs thrilled that Searels is staying

ORLANDO, Fla. – If anybody wasn't totally convinced that Stacy Searels is entrenched as the offensive line coach for the Georgia Bulldogs after flirting with Auburn, here's a tip. Clint Boling is up to his old tricks again.

Boling is once again "under orders" to provide a staple answer to curious reporters no matter the questions – "Michigan State's a great team and we're looking forward to the challenge."

It's not the first time.

Throughout different parts of the season, Searels would instruct Boling and some of the other linemen to provide similar responses whenever approached for interviews.

Everybody is just thrilled to have Coach Searels stay,

Shaun Chapas

Soph. Fullback

That includes questions about Searels' announcement that's he's remaining with the Bulldogs and eschewing the opportunity to join Gene Chizik's new staff at Auburn.

Fortunately, fullback Shaun Chapas isn't bound by such rules.

"Everybody is just thrilled to have Coach Searels stay," Chapas said before Saturday's practice at Orlando's Olympia High School. "We were all excited when he found out he was going to stay."

Chapas said Searels informed his linemen of his decision before head coach Mark Richt announced it to the media Friday night.

"I don't think a lot of us were sure what he (Searels) was going to do because he was talking to his alma mater," Chapas said. "We're just glad he's still here."

Injury update

A.J. Green's groin continues to be an issue but he will play Thursday against Michigan State.

The freshman from Summerville, S.C. did not practice while the team was still in Athens but did work out Saturday morning.

Other previous wounded Bulldogs who were back on the field Saturday included fullback Brannan Southerland (foot) and Kris Durham (hand).

Backup safety Andrew Williams, tight end Bruce Figgins and defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson were all limited in practice but are expected to play.

This and that

Field conditions Olympia High leave much to be desired. The lumpy, sandy soil has caused a few problems for receivers trying to make cuts. Friday, it was Bulldog defensive backs that were having trouble keeping their footing. … Quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno met the Orlando media for the first time Saturday. Obviously, most of the questions centered on whether or not the two were leaving Georgia early for the NFL. No, the two have not given their answer yet… Freshman redshirt Carlton Thomas has been impressive during Georgia's first two Orlando workouts.

Next Up

Players from Michigan State and Georgia will interact with disadvantaged youth from Central Florida at Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (1500 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FLý) as part of the Capital One Bowl's traditional Day for Kids event. … Both teams will participate in a Best Buy Shopping Spree as part of their bowl gift from Florida Citrus Sports. Players will be turned loose on two participating Best Buy stores in Orlando with a $400 gift card. The entire $400 must be spent during the shopping spree, and Best Buy will ship they players' gifts home at no extra cost. … Georgia will practice at 1:15 Saturday afternoon and Michigan State at 2:30.