Aaron Murray threw 4 TD passes vs. South Carolina. (Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports)
Despite an amazing college career, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray has relentlessly been criticized for his performances on the biggest stages. Football is often called “The Ultimate Team Game,” yet the quarterback position is often judged entirely by wins and losses, and unfortunately for Murray, there have been more losses than wins in big games for the Bulldogs while he has been in Athens.
But with the young Bulldogs defense struggling and their season on the line, Murray’s ability to make plays under pressure lifted his team to a 41-30 victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday.
This back-and-forth ballgame was destined to come down to which team made the clutch plays, and it was Murray who made one big play after another. Murray avoided pressure on two key third-down plays and found open receivers for touchdowns.
The fifth-year senior completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
The play of the game might have been after it appeared star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney would have a chance to sack Murray. However, Murray was able to change directions, and he found Justin Scott-Wesley streaking down the left sideline for an 85-yard touchdown.
With one big play, the monkey was off Murray’s back.
However, this win was not because of Murray alone. Heisman candidate Todd Gurley was a man among boys once again, and fellow backfield teammates Keith Marshall, Quayvon Hicks and Brendan Douglas all gave timely contributions.
Georgia’s offensive line, which struggled mightily a year ago in a 35-7 loss at South Carolina, played very well in the win. The Bulldogs kept Clowney in check and Murray’s pants clean. Moreover, they did a great job of opening holes for the Bulldogs running backs.
Georgia’s inexperienced defense, however, did not perform nearly as well as its offense did. For much of the game, the Gamecocks were bulldozed by the running game and efficiently picked apart by quarterback Connor Shaw.
Todd Grantham’s defense did make one all-important stop with less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The South Carolina offense was once again deep inside the red zone. It was fourth-and-goal from the one, and Spurrier called an option pitch from Shaw to running back Mike Davis, but junior linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson snuffed it out for no gain.
From there, the Bulldogs went on a 13-play drive that gained 81 yards and ran out the clock.
Coach Mark Richt has plenty to fix before the Bulldogs square off with the LSU Tigers on September 28th. It will be their third top-10 opponent this season despite being just their fourth game.
Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they are on a bye this week and will play undermanned North Texas the following week. Richt will have plenty of time to prepare for LSU, and hopefully a better defense will emerge.
Dr. SEC is a contributor to SicEmDawgs.com. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook and at DrSEC.org.
View Comments (3)
I look for the D to be improved against LSU, at least statistically, for this reason: Mettenberger is not the threat to run that Shaw and Boyd were. Boyd got rid of the ball so quickly that consistent pressure was impossible. If you look at the USCe film, you will see the D Line getting good pressure for most of the game, but Shaw was able to escape and make a big run. I believe our D Line will be able to collapse the pocket on Mett and a few timely, exotic blitzes, will hopefully rattle him into some mistakes. I do know that intense pressure on the QB will make a young secondary look good also.
I agree with you 66DAWGnNC. The mobility of Boyd and Shaw contributed to the defenses struggles. I look for the Dawgs to blitz early and often to frustrate Mett. Yes he looks better than last season but he is still not a proven quarterback yet.
I think you are correct also, Dr. SEC. Early blitzes forcing mistakes will frustrate Mett and the LSU O. Then I believe we will be able to get pressure with the D Line and use safety help over the top in coverage. Man I hope we are both right on that. While Mett is not a proven QB, the guys announcing their game Sat night were ready to give him the Heisman. They talked about how he was lighting up the opponent (UAB I think). 30 years ago I could have done the same thing. What stuck out to me was the blatant disregard for the facts. One of those jackwagons said something like, "If you remember, Mett won the starting QB job at UGA before transferring." If I remember, Murray won the starting job in the Spring and Mett did not transfer of his own volition. He was kicked off the team before going the Juco route to LSU. I am sure he will be looking to prove something tween the Hedges. Hopefully that will contribute to a few unforced errors.