After Boise State, Murray foresaw Georgia in SEC title game
Aaron Murray brings something to Georgia's offense far more important than statistics. (Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com)
ATHENS – Several weeks ago, when Georgia was looking like Liberty Bowl bait and Mark Richt was waiting for that first thrown rock through his office window, Aaron Murray did something rather unexpected. He prophesied an SEC championship game for the Bulldogs.
We can’t be certain if this should be attributed to Murray’s unwavering confidence or the fact that he had just been hit in the head 37 times by Boise State. But the sophomore quarterback walked out of the Georgia locker room after the Bulldogs had just laid a 35-21 egg against Boise State at the Georgia Dome to open the season, met up with his former high school coach and uttered these words: “Coach, we’re going to the SEC championship.”
At that point, Robert Weiner, Murray’s coach at Plant High School resisted temptations to alert medical personnel who might still in the Georgia Dome. He had seen this side of Murray before, like when the quarterback was sprawled on the field with an apparent broken ankle during his senior season at Plant and he told Weiner, “Get me ready for the second half.” (Didn’t happen. But Murray made it back from a four-month injury in seven weeks, in time for the playoffs.)
So how did Weiner respond to Murray’s comment?
“I just said, ‘Alright, Aaron,’” he said, laughing. “I wasn’t too sure. But I’ve seen what Aaron can do. With most people, you blow off a comment like that as blind optimism. But Aaron started going through the rest of the schedule with specifics on each game. He said, ‘You’re coming back here to the Georgia Dome at the end of the year to see us.’ I guess he was prophetic.”
Murray said he felt confident because he saw talent and heart. “We just weren’t ready for that game yet,” he said.
When asked about his prediction, he said, “Based on how we played that game, I would’ve thought I was crazy, too.”
One 10-game winning streak later, Bellevue is firmly in the rearview mirror.
The Bulldogs are 13-point underdogs to unbeaten LSU in Saturday’s SEC championship game. Murray is the X-factor. He has been great lately and he will have to be great against LSU because there’s no guarantee of a decent running attack with the hobbled Isaiah Crowell.
But his strength is his calm demeanor. At 0-2, the house was burning down and Murray was brushing the ashes off his jersey. All Georgia players get credit for not caving early, but the quarterback is the one in the middle of the huddle.
“I understand that even though I’m only a sophomore, there are players who are looking at me,” Murray said. “When you play the quarterback position you have to stay even-tempered.”
Weiner, who drilled that into him, said, “I never doubt two things about Aaron: His will to win and his ability to mobilize the people around him.”
That’s how football teams win 10 straight after losing two. The Dogs didn’t suddenly become faster or stronger. But they grew up and found ways to win. Murray battled some consistency problems earlier this season but leadership and resolve never were problems.
Said Richt, “If things are going rough and your quarterback spits the bit, you’re in big trouble. But if you can stand in a gap and stay strong and keep fighting, your quarterback can pull you out of a bad situation. Nobody questions Aaron’s toughness, mentally or physically. No one questions his dedication. He’s got everybody’s respect.”
Murray is likely to be a four-year starter. By the time he leaves Athens, he’ll likely own every career passing mark at the school. But he said earlier this week, “Championships [are] all that matters. My goal is to win a few while I’m here, and my first one, my first opportunity, is this weekend.”
The odds are long. But the odds were long on Georgia getting here. To most people, anyway.
By Jeff Schultz
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446 comments Add your comment
Fulton Kuykendall
November 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
“……………………the Hawaii (houston) of 2011.”
“It’s complicated? Like Marriage? Just when you think you know the rules She/BCS changes them.”
“Who the hell goes to party in Valdosta? LOL”
5150, sometimes you irritate this Dawg fan, and sometimes you really crack me up. Tonight’s one of those nights…:)
Jeff Schultz
November 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
Joey — thanks.
Brucerugby79
November 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
don’t know why you are bitter but you got that right its all about the o-line and we have the biggest in football-now they need to perform really well–and you are right always will be GO DOGS
Jeff Schultz
November 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
Orange11 — Murray vs. Mettenberger will be fun to watch. Should be interesting.
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
I guess the Peach Bowl* was going to take South Carolina whether or not they suffered a blowout in the SEC CG.
*I am not a fan of that sandwich company, and I will never type their name.
Elmer
November 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
I’m a complete pessimist about the game, am not sold that Murray is an elite quarterback but it’s easy to admire him. He really is a football player. The closer the game gets the harder and harder it is not to believe in miracles (but I’m resisting that pull so far … LSU is a total football team). I watched them several times this year and it’s hard to see a way. But if we lose it won’t be for lack of trying or heart I think. Amazing to see all this after the way the team started. Win or lose I think this is a special team.
Robards
November 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
Maybe Murray foresaw that Georgia would lose to the 5th best SEC team the following week, said 5th best team would lose another SEC game, and Georgia would beat the 7 worst teams in the conference. He’s not Nostradamus, Jeff
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
@GT Bob: Pummeled is not what Boise State did to UGA but is what UGA did to your “cloud of dust” Bunglebees. Still smarts huh?
Bubba
November 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
No self respecting member of the SEC loses to Boise State.
That is the definition of suck.
5150 UOAD
November 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)…………………UGA beat tech by 14. Boise St beat UGA by 14. So how can you say? “Pummeled is not what Boise State did to UGA but is what UGA did to your “cloud of dust” Bunglebees.”
RS Dawg
November 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Once again, let’s hear it,”IT’S GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDOG”
Dawg48
November 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
Bubba or Louisiana Monroe!
Bubba
November 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
You lost to Boise State. You don’t have any balls.
5150 UOAD
November 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Did I hear COLORADO?
45ACP
November 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
I like CMR’s attitude of late. And I like the Dawgs chances on Saturday. Win or lose the future seems a lot brighter than it did a year ago.
Dawg48
November 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
Tech scored junk points at the end!
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
I’ve always wondered sportswriters’ numerical scale for:
Escaped
Snuck by
Edged
Beat
Beat handily
Spanked
Overwhelmed
Pummeled
Blew out
Destroyed
Massacred
Bubba
November 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
You lost to Boise State.
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
@Destin Dawg: If you predicted back in August the Dawgs to win the SEC East you should have quit while you were ahead. I know anything can happen in a football game but it will take a near-perfect game for UGA to beat LSU. I would love to eat some crow on this.
Bubba
November 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
ESPN and the and SEC thinks your not worthy.
hotdawg
November 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
i am proud of this team i think we have the best two rbs at the top of the depth chart……(malcome and crowell) ……and conley and mitchell are our best recievers and they both were not playing alot early in the year…mike gillard didnt play until the second game who now leads the team in tackles and ogletree only played 3serires up until the fla game..and rambo didnt play until the second game…new team now…..lets get it!!!!!!!!!!
True SEC East Champs
November 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Fact Check: The top 5 teams in the SEC are LSU, Bama, Arkansas, USC & UGA. Aaron Murray is 0-3 against these teams, losing twice to USC and Arkansas.
He’s 3-3 vs UF, Auburn & Miss State.
In short, his ‘vision’ of being in the SEC Title Game is rather pompous to say the least since he lost to Miss St, UF AND Auburn last year. #Just sayin’
GeauxTiger
November 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Murray, you inspire me… not this year.
truedawg
November 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Mr. Schultz,
Answer one question and ask as many others as possible. If so many college (SEC) fans want a playoff system, then why do they not respect the one we have now? The two best teams form east and west play in one game, and then we have our champion. SEC champion! If LSU and Bama is carved in stone already then what good is that game?? If Bama wins this one are they co-champions? If UGA wins the SEC and LSU wins against Bama what does that tell us?? The only people crying more than Bama right now is Steve at USC..Well we had to play ark and they UGA got a Miss school..hummm I guess old age makes you forget that game against Auburn. You play the games and you either get better, or get worse. UGA got better, and they deserve to play in the SEC CG. If they win, and LSU or Bama ends up being the BCS champ, I’ll have my Tee shirts made that say UGA National champs. BCS…Bogus champion Smoke! Go Dawgs!!
5150 UOAD
November 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Delbert and when those terms are used In Baseball, Basketball, and Football the numerical scale has a HUGE difference.
45ACP
November 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Delbert, the “hot” new term is “boat raced”.
5150 UOAD
November 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
I have heard many UGa fans say in August and September UGa would win the SEC & MNC. I guess there are a lot of Nostradunbass’s out there. LOL
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
9:06 pm
Dawg48 – That was after Georgia’s missed field goal attempt for junk points midway through the 4th Quarter. Tech scored 6 plays later.
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
@5150 UOAD: You had to be there. UGA had zero scholorshipped RBs in the game. Bunglebees were allowed to score a meanigless TD towards the end. Get Paul Johnson to tell you about it. He had nothing but praise for UGA after the game.
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
9:08 pm
45 – From the endings of some boat races I’ve seen on TV shows hosted by Rob Pitts, that’s a good metaphor.
MR.LSU
November 29th, 2011
9:09 pm
Can’t wait for Saturday to get here. LSU!!!!!
45ACP
November 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
The Dawgs boat raced the Jackets, again. Can we move on to current events please…lol…
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
Brainiac – Well, NC St. scored 21 meaningless points in the 4th quarter to Tech’s meaningful field goal.
THE future in the SEC is NOW
November 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
LSU is losing two QBs and tons of talent after this year, as is Alabama and Arky.
In the SEC East, Florida and SC are the only possible challnges next year and they too are losing tons of talent AND SC’s Lattimore simply will not be ready by September.
UGA is in the driver’s seat for 2012 and possibly 2013. Get ready haters …………….UGA IS BACK> SEE UGA IN THE SEC C G and be jealous.
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dogs.
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
9:15 pm
PS: And all that happened with less than 8 minutes left. Everybody knew the game would end up 45-35 though, so nobody was the least bit worried.
GeauxTiger
November 29th, 2011
9:15 pm
UGA played 4 ranked teams. They were 2-2 against them and the 2 they beat aren’t ranked now. They haven’t seen anything like what will be coming at them on Saturday. Duct tape your jock straps on boys… it’s going to get rough.
Hey 5150
November 29th, 2011
9:17 pm
Did APS let out today? You must have all of 13 or 14 years in some ATL PS and still be a Frosh.
UGA whupped GT like I tried to tell you BOY> Murray TORCHED THE GT corners and safeties and the UGA D controlled that wimpy triple option. Just like I predicted. GT is a middel school styled team, led by a guy that cannot land a good gig, so he coaches at GT.
truedawg
November 29th, 2011
9:17 pm
Dawgs vs LSU will be close. I think like CMR, it’ll come down to turn overs and special teams.
I still wanna know how UGA could beat LSU and and they still play Bama…I guess just like 07, the BCS wants LSU in the NC game no matter if they are undefeated or have 8 loses!!
BCS sucks..Go DAWGS!!!
5150 UOAD
November 29th, 2011
9:18 pm
THE future in the SEC is NOW……………..So what you are saying is that the ONLY time UGA can Run the SEC is when all the prohibitive powerhouse teams are on down years. I can believe that. So next year will be UGa’s year and the first time in like 6 years the SEC will not win the MNC. I can believe that too.
Hey Tiger
November 29th, 2011
9:19 pm
We will be ready, so bring it on.
UGA class of 71 & 73
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 29th, 2011
9:20 pm
@True SEC East Champs: Why the hell are you bringing up the 2010 SEC season? Are certain teams allowed so many points/credits based on their 2010 record? Murray was named SEC Preseason 1st team QB and will be named SEC 1st team QB shortly. What is your point(s)? Hide and watch Murray over the next two seasons. You may learn something about a class act person and QB. Now, off to bed with you. You need your “Beauty Rest”.
Sam
November 29th, 2011
9:22 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team. Wants to go to Georgia Tech!
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
Hey 5150
November 29th, 2011
9:22 pm
nO CLOWN, IT IS CYCLICAL AND THE SEC takes advantage when UGA IS Down, like we will take advantage when the others are down.
Get real fool. Where did you attend college BOY?
UGA WHUPPED GT and humiliated them for the third time in a row and the 10th time in 11. Sad. Richt owns CPJ and his funky wishbone O.
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
9:23 pm
@The Future – AJ McCarron is a soph, and Saban is going to appeal strongly to Trent Richardson and Dont’a Hightower to stay and improve Alabama’s GSR.
2n10
November 29th, 2011
9:24 pm
Hey true sec east champs,congrats on usc bein 10 games over 500 all time.what a tradition,wow!
bubba4dawgs
November 29th, 2011
9:24 pm
LSU may win this game but rest assured they will know they’ve been in a football game. The DAWGS will not be pushed around. Up front, the Dawgs will pound with the pretty good. Remember, they are BIG. My concern is still the O-line. LSU’s coverage may be quite tight for Murray to have very much time to throw but throwing and lots of it will be necessary with little to no running backs. Just don’t count the DAWGS out. LSU will not run all over them and I really don’t think they will cover the spread if they win!! GO DAWGS!!!!
aw
November 29th, 2011
9:25 pm
Sad Dawg48 You gotta love WALK ON FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Facts
November 29th, 2011
9:25 pm
In the SEC here are the historic powers:
Alabama
UT
LSU
UGA ,very close behind by maybe 1 sec title.
Folks ………………………..UGA is historically about due. Get ready haters. Get ready.
GT ?? John Belk Bowl is calling you with ther FREE NAVY AND GOLD SOCKS.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA
Orange11
November 29th, 2011
9:27 pm
Jeff, Let me preface this by saying I really hope the dogs win this one, however if this game goes the way I think it will, and depending on Coach Miles mood we just might get a little preview of Mettenberger in the waning moments of this game.
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 29th, 2011
9:28 pm
@Bubba: You are the real definition of suck.