Georgia still motivated by championship loss

ATHENS — Georgia opened practice last Friday with a new perspective on familiar championship goals.

After losing to Alabama in overtime in the national championship game, Georgia is more motivated than ever to finish the job.

The Bulldogs know they face higher expectations after winning the Southeastern Conference championship and coming so close to their first national title since 1980. The SEC title wasn’t enough to make up for the pain still lingering from the 26-23 loss to Alabama in Atlanta.

“We had a chance at it last year and didn’t get it done,” tight end Isaac Nauta said Friday. “We use that as motivation to get back, because that’s a terrible feeling, something you don’t want to happen again. I think about it regularly. Every time I get to work I think about the feeling I had.”

The 13-2 season provided momentum that carried through recruiting. Georgia coach Kirby Smart landed the nation’s top signing class, including quarterback Justin Fields and tailback Zamir White. Both enrolled early for spring practice, though White was still recovering from right knee surgery.

Smart said Friday that White has been cleared for practice but will wear a brace on the knee. That’s big news for a team looking to replace tailbacks Sony Michel and Nick Chubb.

“He’s not going to be limited in any way,” Smart said of White. “He should be able to do all drills, and he’s just gaining confidence on his knee. But the brace will just help him with that.”