Atlanta ? Georgia coach Mark Richt apologized Monday for his team’s raucous celebration after its first touchdown against Florida, a display that he encouraged in hopes of firing his team up. The motivational tactic seemed to work – the No. 10 Bulldogs went on to a 42-30 victory, only their third win against the 18th-ranked Gators in the last 18 years.

But Richt apologized to Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive by telephone and in a letter for his actions leading up to Saturday’s game.

Some 70 players stormed the field after Knowshon Moreno’s touchdown run, leading to numerous penalty flags. Richt didn’t mind a bit, admitting afterward he told his team he would give them extra running if they didn’t get called for excessive celebration.