Rainy day dampens Gator Bowl practice

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Georgia and Nebraska cancelled their scheduled practices Sunday morning due to heavy rain passing through the area, plus some health issues.

The Bulldogs were set to hold their third practice at Jacksonville University, but Coach Mark Richt decided to hold a walk-through in the ballroom of the Omni Hotel instead -- partly due to weather, and partly to a stomach bug running through the team.

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"We cleared out our dining area and had a walk through for the defense while the offense met, then we had a special teams walk through followed by one for the offense while the defense met," Richt said. "The only thing we didn't do that we had scheduled was conditioning, and perhaps the guys needed a break. We've been going pretty hard. It all worked out."

Center David Andrews and tailback Todd Gurley were among those feeling sick Sunday. Quarterback Hutson Mason had it a few days ago and practiced through it.

"This morning we only had, I think, four running backs, running backs and fullbacks. Everyone was sick," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo told the Macon Telegraph.

The Cornhuskers delayed their practice until afternoon and moved it from the University of Florida to the Creeks Athletic Association field, next to Fruit Cove Middle School on Racetrack Road.

Saying drainage was an issue at UNF's field, Nebraska will also hold its final practice before Wednesday's Gator Bowl on the Creeks' artificial turf on Monday.

There was a light rain on and off during Sunday afternoon's workout in shoulder pads and shorts. White the bus drivers were told to be on standby in case practice was cut short, the 'Huskers spent the full two hours on the field.

IMAGES: 'Huskers Sunday practice

"This was perfect," Head Coach Bo Pelini said. "I thought it was good. I thought our work was good, our tempo was good, our enthusiasm was good. I liked our day."

Weather for the next few days should be dryer, with the game-time forecast calling for 65 degrees and a 30 percent chance of rain.