Oct. 18, 2008
Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt Head Coach
“This was a tough game and a tough place to play against a tough team. We gave them too many opportunities on offense, and we didn’t make plays defensively. We played well, but we missed tackles defensively. We had a little bit of trouble today on third and medium yardage. They are tough when they play man coverage. We were determined to run the ball today. We have guys on the offensive line who are realizing what we are trying to do to run the ball. We are looking for people who want to be out there and follow the coaching.”
“I thought when the ball hit the upright and it came back that it was a good omen for us. Our guys don’t quit, and I don’t even have to worry about them. I think we played better this week than last.”
“Matthew Stafford is a very good quarterback, and he had a lot of good receivers to throw to. We are always scratching and clawing to be in our games. Our guys were ready to play and they played hard. I thought if we did that (played hard) we could have a chance in the second half to win it. If we tackled better we could have gotten to (Knowshon) Moreno. But you have to give him credit. He has a great spin move to avoid our tacklers. I wish we could get turnovers on every play. It is part of our formula in staying in our games.”
Vanderbilt Players
Jamie Graham, wide receiver
“We prepared all week for this. We knew they were suspect in the red zone. We knew once we could get behind them we would score. We work on the routes all the time in practice. We know we have Duke next week, and you don’t think much about the wins and losses right after it happens. You’re always focused on the next game.”
Sean Walker, wide receiver
“I felt we got the ball moving better offensively this week. Playing in an SEC stadium in front of a big crowd always feels great. We gave our defense too much time on the field against their offense today.”
Mark Richt, Georgia Head Coach
Opening Statement:
“I would love to think we could have separated from them, but Vanderbilt has a lot of heart and fight and discipline. You have to give them credit, but you have to give our guys credit too. Our guys just beat an SEC Eastern Division team and a team that wouldn’t die easily. I can’t say anything but great job for Georgia.”
On the tailbacks:
“We all know what Knowshon can do and Caleb has been running the ball well all season. It’s important to have a guy come off the bench who can be productive. We have full confidence in Caleb. We know we’ve got two guys who are ready to rock and roll.”
On the defense:
“Our defense played very well. Vanderbilt had a couple of scores on some beautiful throws and catches. But when we look at the film, I think we are going to see guys playing as hard as they can play. We had some outstanding open field tacking, we werephysical and we got after them.”
On the penalties:
“They hit the magic number of five or less, so no up-downs this week. They cheered for that pretty loud in the locker room. We’re headed in the right direction.”
On the interceptions:
“CJ Byrd did a beautiful job of breaking on the ball and Reshad Jones was there to lay out and catch it. He got his hands underneath it and cradled it. And how about Darius Dewberry catching the ball? He made some fine tackles too. This was probably his bestgame. I am proud of him.”
On the season:
“We’re 6-1 overall, we’re bowl eligible and we’re 3-1 in the East. Every goal we set is still in front of us. I would say we’re in pretty good shape.”
Georgia Players
Mohamed Massaquoi, split end
On the offense:
“We still aren’t capitalizing on all the opportunities we have. We’re almost there but we haven’t arrived yet. We still have a lot of things that we need to work towards.”
On the win:
“Vanderbilt came in here and gave us their best effort. We made plays when we needed to. Now we go on the road, and we don’t come back and play here until another six weeks. We have a lot that we need to accomplish.”
Matthew Stafford, quarterback
On the significance of Georgia’s win:
“It was big for us. They were number one in the east. We stalled out on offense a couple of times and shot ourselves in the foot with missed opportunities. We had some bad plays here and there, but we battled. I’m proud of the guys.”
On the offensive line:
“Those guys played hard and that’s all you can ask. These guys are true freshmen, redshirt freshman and sophomore. They are going to mess up sometimes and not know who to block, but they are playing hard. That is what I like to see.”
Rennie Curran, linebacker
On Vanderbilt’s next to last drive in the fourth quarter:
“Our mindset was that we needed to make a play. We are trying to get to the Dome for the SEC Championship, and those are the type of moments that can set us apart and get us to the next level.”
On Vanderbilt’s final fourth down play:
“We were confident in ourselves. We were looking around, and each one of us has trust in each other. We all worked hard during the week, and we weren’t hesitant about making plays.”
CJ Byrd, strong safety
On being one of Georgia’s captains:
“It meant a lot to see what the coaches think of my play. As a senior I have to step it up and be consistent.”
On his level of play:
“I am more prepared. The coaches are putting me in the right places. I’m just trying to be a leader. When guys look up to you, you have to do the right things. I’m trying to set the example.”
