Chick-fil-A Bowl: Dec. 27 News and Notes

ATLANTA - Josh Kendall's news and notes from Georgia's Chick-fil-A Bowl practices at the Georgia Dome.

FEELING FINE: Place-kicker Brandon Coutu hit a 57-yard field goal during Tuesday’s practice and feels confident in his range heading into the bowl game, he said. Coutu tookWednesday off to rest his right hamstring, which he tore in September.

“I’m sure I’ll feel good by Saturday,” he said. “Obviously, a little of the strength is gone, but it’s something I’ll get back. It’ll just take time, but I feel good.”

NOVEL APPROACH: Beamer started a new discipline system this year in which he takes money out of his players’ bowl stipends for offenses such as personal fouls and other penalties.

The system affected the wallet of several Hokies this week, Beamer said.

“I think there’s something to it,” he said. “The last six ball games we were very good penalty-wise. The only thing that’ll screw my system up is if we don’t go to a bowl.”

Virginia Tech center Danny McGrath started to protest the policy during a Wednesday press conference but was cut off by his coach.

“I think we need to talk to our union representative,” McGrath said.

“You’re talking to him,” Beamer responded.

THIS AND THAT: Senior punter Gordon Ely-Kelso thinks Dublin’s Brian Mimbs is ready to take his spot next year. “If you just gave him a few games, he could be right there where I am,” Ely-Kelso said. “I think the biggest thing is experience. I think if they gave him a chance, he could be real good.” … Freshman defensive lineman Brandon Wood won’t be able to participate in spring practice due to the shoulder injury he suffered this season, Garner said. … Hawkinsville defensive end Charles Johnson hasn’t heard back from the NFL’s underclassman advisory committee, he said Wednesday. … Georgia practiced two hours Wednesday morning in the Georgia Dome. A group of about 35 players visited Scottish Rite Hospital after the workout, and both teams participated in a “Family Feud” style game on Wednesday night.