No special motivation for Clausen

Casey Clausen didn't support his teammates very well with his brash comments following Tennessee's loss to Georgia last year, but the Georgia players don't feel any special motivation because of what he said.

ATHENS - Most of Georgia's players tiptoed around the subject of Casey Clausen's comments following the Bulldogs' win over Tennessee last year.

Clausen sat out that game due to a collarbone injury and replacements C.J. Leak and James Banks were overwhelmed in an 18-13 loss.

"I could have played on one arm and we could have definitely beaten Georgia, but (the doctors) didn't want to risk it," Clausen said afterward. "If I had played that game we definitely would have won by at least two touchdowns."

While most players steered away from the subject, offensive lineman Josh Brock acknowledged that a large picture of Clausen and his comment are the only things on the team's bulletin board this week.

The Bulldogs' board, which is a new addition in their renovated locker room is usually covered with dozens of articles and information sheets on opposing teams.

"It's the only thing up there," Brock said.

Outside the locker room, though, Georgia's players are brushing off the comments.

"Casey Clausen was just being Casey Clausen," wide receiver Fred Gibson said. "I think the world of Casey Clausen. He's a great quarterback. Everybody has got their own opinion."

Georgia coach Mark Richt said he doesn't expect his defense to be inspired by the quote.

"I don't know if it would make a whole lot of difference," he said. "If you've seen our defense, they play pretty hard regardless."

Safety Thomas Davis, Georgia's biggest hitter and leader in sacks, said if the Bulldogs' focus on Clausen's comments they won't be fully prepared to play. However, he admitted he wouldn't mind Clausen being on the receiving end of one of his hits.

"I feel like it would be a little extra special this week," he said.