No Rose Bowl hangover

ATLANTA – During last Tuesday’s teleconference to preview Monday’s national championship, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed concerns regarding how well his team would bounce back from its emotional double-overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl.

Apparently, he needn't have been worried.

According to the Bulldog assistant coaches, finding enough energy has not been a problem while preparing for Alabama.

Defensive line coach Tray Scott said that’s certainly been true of his players.

“Those suckers have been bouncing around,” Scott said. “I’ve actually gotten my energy from some of my guys. You think, golly man, these guys are getting ready for their 15th game and they’re still really approaching this the right way. That just lets me know as a coach that everything is lined out for them. They understand what’s going on, they’re focused on a mission and the task at hand.

“These guys are way more resilient than we ever thought about being.”

Scott isn’t the only one who feels that way.

Sam Pittman said his offensive line is also raring to go.

“We’ve had really good practices,” Pittman said. “I don’t think the trip to the Rose Bowl is going to play a factor.”

Neither do the players.

Cornerback Deandre Baker said the 54-48 victory over Oklahoma was every bit as intense on the field as it looked like from the stands.

However, as emotional as that game was, he claims there’s still plenty of juice in the Bulldogs’ tank.

“I think we’ve done well in practice,” Baker said. “I feel guys are pretty focused and prepared for this game.”

Running backs coach Del McGee said Sony Michel and Nick Chubb are ready to roll.

“It’s business as usual,” McGee said. “When that game was over, we kind of put that game to bed. Now, we’re all focused on the next 72 hours before we play on Monday night.”

Defensive back Aaron Davis said the team’s 24-hour rule has been in full effect.

Just as they do during the regular season, the Bulldogs have 24 hours to celebrate a win or, as the case was after the team’s only loss at Auburn, get over a defeat.

“Yeah, we’ve got the 24-hour rule, but we didn’t even use all 24 hours for this one,” Davis said. “We hopped the plane right after the game and went right back to work. I was already starting my preparation because I know this is going to be the biggest game of my life, the biggest one I’ve ever been a part of.”

Linebacker Reggie Carter agreed. The Bulldogs are ready to play ball.

“Last week, everybody put that (the Rose Bowl win) in the bag,” he said. “Last week will be cherished forever, but we’ve got another task at hand.”