ATHENS — With wind-chills dipping into the low-30s by the end of practice, the No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs worked out for approximately 2½ hours in full pads on Tuesday afternoon.

The Dogs (10-2, 7-1 SEC) are preparing to face top-ranked LSU (12-0, 8-0 SEC) in the SEC Championship game on Saturday afternoon at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

“It was cold, but I thought the guys did a good job,” head coach Mark Richt said.

“There was good energy, and they got after it pretty good. They did what we asked them to do and did it well.”

Richt and selected players also took part in the Bulldogs’ game week press conference on Tuesday where they discussed Saturday’s matchup and its significance at length.

“There’s plenty of motivation in my opinion for both teams to play their best,” Richt said.

“When you get used to winning it becomes a habit just like anything else can become a habit, so you are going to play in such a way that gives you the best chance of winning again.”

Georgia, which enters Saturday’s game on a 10-game winning streak, is coming off a 31-17 victory over rival Georgia Tech.

LSU is also riding a huge wave of momentum, which included a 41-17 victory over Arkansas last Friday in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers rallied from 14 points down in the win.

“Only one team can win (Saturday’s game in Atlanta) and we know that, but I think that both teams have plenty motivation to get up and play in this ball game,” said Richt.

“Just playing in the (Georgia) Dome is a special thing. You know if you are in there something good happened to you, especially this time of year.

“The fans will be excited. The players will be excited. Coaches will be jacked up. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”