Just got off the phone after a teleconference with Georgia head coach Mark Richt, quarterback Aaron Murray and linebacker Christian Robinson. Here are some quick highlights:
--Richt called MSU a well-coached, physical team with a lot of skill on offense. "I see excellence."
--Richt agrees with many analysts, saying this Outback Bowl matchup is one of the best among bowl games.
--While the SEC is known for its skilled defenses, there weren't many veteran quarterbacks, so Kirk Cousins presents a challenge to Richt. He wasn't too high on comparing MSU to the SEC, but said the Cousins-to-B.J. Cunningham connection can create a lot of problems for his defense. Robinson said Cousins probably is the best QB the Bulldogs will have faced this season.
--I asked Richt how a team of his would feel if they fell a few plays short of the Rose Bowl like MSU. Richt expects MSU to be highly-motivated, noting that if you don't make the BCS, Tampa and the Outback Bowl is still a good destination. This tweet from Anthony Rashad White agrees.
--Murray said Georgia's gameplan for MSU is set, and Murray helped design it while coaches were out recruiting. Pretty impressive for a sophomore. Murray wasn't around for the 2009 Capital One Bowl between these teams, but said MSU's defensive schemes are similar to what they were three years ago, based on tape.
--Murray did give an answer to the question comparing MSU to the SEC, saying the Spartans' size is similar, including at cornerback.
--With both teams running pro-style offenses, Robinson said the game will be won in the trenches, saying, "It comes down to who makes the other team quit."
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Media will get some MSU players tomorrow before MSU bowl media day on Tuesday.
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