ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia got the message in practice: One penalty will lead to another.

Coach Mark Richt is punishing the Bulldogs with extra running when they're guilty of penalties.

"I'm wearing them out, as a team and as individuals," he said.

Tenth-ranked Georgia enters this afternoon's game against Tennessee as the second-most penalized team in the country. But it's not uncommon for outstanding teams to be heavily penalized.

No one realizes that more than Richt.

"When I was at Florida State (as an offensive coordinator), I think we were the worst in the league in penalties every year," Richt said. "I think LSU was worst in the league when they won the national championship. I think Florida was worst in the league in penalties when they won the national championship."

But after penalties hurt the Bulldogs severely in a loss to Alabama, Richt took a tougher stance.

"I was a little reluctant to make such a strong point at first," Richt said. "I was concerned about aggressive play.

"My strategy and thoughts were wrong. The penalties have got to slow down."

Defensive Rundown: Alabama defeated Georgia convincingly two weeks ago, but not with its usually dominant rushing game.

Alabama leads the SEC in rushing with a 226.3-yard-per-game average. But it rushed for only 129 yards on the Bulldogs in its 41-30 victory.

Georgia ranks fourth nationally in run defense (62.4 yards per game). In its two games before Alabama, the Bulldogs gave up a total of 22 yards rushing to South Carolina and Arizona State.

Defensive Stopper: Georgia junior defensive tackle Geno Atkins is having an outstanding season, although he's not getting as much help as anticipated.

Fellow tackle Jeff Owens is out for the season with an injury. Another tackle, Kade Weston, missed two earlier games with injuries.

Atkins leads Georgia linemen in tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures.

Freshman tackle Deangelo Tyson might bolster the defensive front more as the season goes along. Tyson, a consensus high school All-American, has played in all five games.

Creer Fan: UT sophomore running back Lennon Creer made a great impression on Richt, who recruited him out of Tatum, Texas.

"Creer is a tremendous talent," Richt said. "If he's their third-teamer, they've got two great backs, I can promise you."

Creer, who backs up veterans Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty, has only 49 career carries. But he has made the most of his limited opportunities. He is averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

Super Safeties: Richt saved his highest praise for UT safeties Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley.

"I think history will prove they will be two of the highest drafted safeties in the nation," he said. "They are big. They are fast. They are physical.

"They're playmakers and they're playing with tremendous confidence. Morley and Berry - two, not good, but great players."

Leaner Uga: The Bulldogs aren't as big as last year, at least not at the mascot position.

Uga VII, who made his debut in the season opener, weighs 56 1/2 pounds. His predecessor, Uga VI, was the biggest of the Bulldogs at 65 pounds.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.