Aaron Murray may be playing his final game for Georgia
Aaron Murray and Mark Richt have been together for three seasons. This may be it. (Brant Sanderlin)
ORLANDO – Before this season began, Aaron Murray set a plan for the next two years — not for football, but for a doctorate program in industrial-organizational psychology. Call it an academic and career game plan.
“It’s a pretty big field nowadays,” Murray said in August. “A lot of companies are hiring I-O psychologists.”
Aaron Murray plays a football game Tuesday. There is a very good chance it will be his final football game for Georgia.
This is pure conjecture on my part. It is based on the fact that Murray, as much as he loves college football, has other things going on in his life. He has other things he wants to try. He’s a different kid.
“You mean mature?” Murray said, smiling.
“No,” I responded. (He laughed. Know your audience.)
I presented my theory to Murray, that Georgia’s game against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl would be the end of this chapter in his life. I asked him if my read on him, his mindset and aspirations was correct. He responded without actually answering.
“I definitely have other things [I want to do],” he said. “My whole life, my mom has talked to us about setting goals and thinking about what we want to do in our life. So I’m a very goal-driven person. But I can’t predict the future. I can only live day by day.”
So are you going into this game with the thought that it could be your final game at Georgia?
“No. It’s just another game. I prepare hard for all of them.”
Never try to out-think a psychology major.
Murray is the first quarterback in SEC history to have three straight 3,000-yard passing seasons. In the last two years, he has thrown 66 touchdowns against 22 interceptions, won two SEC East titles and went 21-6. Four weeks ago against Alabama, he and the Bulldogs came within one tipped pass of going to the BCS championship game instead of the Capital One Bowl.
His biggest problems have come in the postseason, with two SEC title losses (to LSU and Alabama) and two bowl game losses (to Central Florida as a freshman and Michigan State last season). If Murray decides to come back, it will be because conference and national championships have eluded him.
I’m just not sure that’s going to do it.
Could he improve his NFL draft stock by coming back? Probably. He battled some consistency problems this season, as evidenced by his completion percentages against South Carolina (35.5), Florida (50) and Alabama (54.5), and his five interceptions in those three games. But this also is considered a weak draft class for quarterbacks. Sometimes an extra season leads NFL scouts to find more flaws. There’s also the potential for injury.
But the potential for improving his draft stock — and right now he’s projected as high as a late first-rounder but more likely second or third round – may not be a big deal for Murray He already has his career blueprint: college football, NFL, I/O psychology.
Save the absence of a conference title and playing for a national championship, Murray has experienced as much as any college football quarterback can expect. He stepped in with Georgia at the bottom, going 6-7, losing to Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl in 2010, and then starting 0-2 in 2011. He was there for the program’s turnaround (21-4 since).
With Georgia losing so many players on defense, it’s debatable how strong the Dogs’ chance will be next season.
Murray recently said the loss to Alabama was causing him sleepless nights. On Saturday, he provided this update: “It’s out of my mind now. But I’ll always have memories of it. That game will be replayed on TV for many years.”
He joked that when he’s in retirement, “Maybe by then I’ll figure out a way to tell everybody we actually won the game.”
The next game hasn’t had the same buildup. It won’t have the same ramifications. But a win likely would leave the Dogs as a top-five ranked team and finally allow Murray to end the season with a victory.
“I have yet to win a bowl game, so this is my opportunity to hopefully finally win one and send the seniors off,” he said.
And possibly himself.
By Jeff Schultz
The last 10 from the digital jukebox
– Progress pleases McGarity, but he’s still not ‘comfortable’
– Predictions: It’s time for bowls(!), contest (!) and BCS (ugh)
– NFL playoffs about QBs and coaches — and Falcons have a shot
– Falcons understand that wins, No. 1 seed only set stage
– Short takes: Matt Ryan back to MVP level in last 2 games
– Falcons respond as great teams should in win over Lions
– Live: Falcons seek No. 1 seed, AJC endures without D-Led
– If last week’s Falcons were for real, we’re about to find out
– Falcons’ line on a roll, now gets rematch against Suh
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259 comments Add your comment
Crimson Pride
December 30th, 2012
3:21 pm
While I’m at it, I would like to point out that Auburn sucks. They are losing a ton of recruits and will be irrelevant again next year because they still don’t have a quarterback. Maybe Auburn will finish 7-5 next year hahaha.
Whiznot
December 30th, 2012
3:25 pm
Murray needs to get away from Richt and Bobo. It’s time for the Georgia coaches to undermine Mason.
Herman from Mineral Bluff
December 30th, 2012
3:26 pm
Crimson Pride is a dawg fan trolling his own teams blog…pathetic loser…
Crimson Pride
December 30th, 2012
3:28 pm
I’m an Alabama fan, you genius. I was born and raised in Mobile. I happen to have respect for Georgia because they really impressed me against the Tide. However, my team is Bama and the college football world’s best program and coach. Sorry if you’re too dumb to realize that…
Herman from Mineral Bluff
December 30th, 2012
3:29 pm
Hey Crimson Pride, since you are a dawg fan, explain the 0-5 record vs. the other top 8 teams in the last two seasons? Numbers don’t lie, but dawg fans don’t understand math….
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
December 30th, 2012
3:29 pm
Murray needs to go to the NFL for he will get no taller and he can make 500k a year as the 2nd or 3rd team QB. The NFL is looking for players at the QB position. Heck the Jets are paying a fortune for Tebow and Sanchez and neither could hit a bull in the azz with a base fiddle. Murray gave his all and whether you like or not its’ time for him to do what is best for him and not UGA. Best of luck to the Dawgs vs NU.
@Pitbull..Bama doesn’t need your help sport! 60-7 in the last 5 years.
Memo to all…forget Nick Saban going to the NFL. Nick makes over 5 million a year today and Peyton will be the highest paid NFL coach at around 7.
Will Muschamp is flipping one of Nick’s recruits (Demarcus Walker) and he will be on Nick’s shatlist no doubt much like Jimbo.
Bama is going to knock them dead on NSD. Nick and some friends just opened a tattoo removal shop in T-town if you get my drift.
Herman from Mineral Bluff
December 30th, 2012
3:30 pm
I’m smart enough to recognize a dawgfan…Bama my azz…
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
3:35 pm
I’ve seen more Dawg qb’s than I can remember and I just don’t know why Murray would or sgould go pro.
He’s been a good Dawg but not as good as Stafford, or Greene. He has honestly had one half of a great year.
I hope he would come back, play like we brought him in to play, and then make his money when he has proven himself.
Crimson Pride
December 30th, 2012
3:35 pm
Really? I give credit where it is due. Obviously you aren’t smart enough because I’ve been an Alabama fan since 1992. I’ve been there to see the SEC battles against the Spurrier-led Gators in the 90s, the probation era and the joke of a coach in Shula to the return of the elite status. I’ve been to the last two A-Day games and Alabama’s national championship celebration in Bryant-Denny. You don’t know what you are talking about.
Crimson Pride
December 30th, 2012
3:38 pm
Genius, maybe Georgia is a really good but not elite team. Sometimes, the other team is just a little bit better. It irritates me when people try to make our SEC title less impressive just because they bring up stats… how about giving the Tide credit where it is due? RTR.
DawgGusted
December 30th, 2012
3:40 pm
Murray is the most over-rated quarter back in college football. His stats are padded from an easy schedule against non conference teams that are right at or just above high school caliber. He has lost back to back SEC chapionship games, he gets run over by South Carolina, he gave the game away To Boise ST and South Carolina last year…I could go on and on…but he needs more experience with his senior year.
you can't fix stupid or Democrats or bulldogs
December 30th, 2012
3:40 pm
If he is as smart as you say then he is going to take the money. Its just to much of risk to come back next year and have a year like Matt Barkley of USC. Take the money and run!
Crimson Pride
December 30th, 2012
3:40 pm
These trolls hate Bama, so they have to act like Georgia and LSU suck so it looks like we played no one. We won the SEC, and we earned it. The Notre Dame trolls are idiots as well
claytondawg
December 30th, 2012
3:43 pm
@Crimson Prid, you are a very classy fan. Alabama is lucky to have you. Too bad fans for the ‘Dogs and Tide can’t see what a terrific game the SECCG was. Go Tide–beat ND; go ‘Dogs–beat N. go GA Tech–beat those whiney-ass, arrogant SOB USC Trojans from California. Ok, ’nuff said. I’ll be on my way.
claytondawg
December 30th, 2012
3:44 pm
OOOPS—Sorry, Crimson Pride. I apologize for leaving out the “e”.
Buckeye
December 30th, 2012
3:44 pm
Oh my.
The last chance for Murray to be Murray in a bowl game Murray.
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
3:45 pm
crimson pride, why are you even here? Nobody outside of that cesspool you call tuscaloosa cares about bama, their sleazbag coach, or their other sleazebag coach bryant and his ridiculous hat.
Buckeye
December 30th, 2012
3:46 pm
On a human note, I hope his Father is doing well. He must be a doggone (sorry, couldn’t help myself) proud Dad.
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
3:51 pm
crimson pride, why are you even here? Nobody outside of that dump called tuscaloosa cares about bama, their sleazy coach, or their other sleazy coach and his ridiculous hat.
And buckeye, I’m not even going to waste my time on you, it’s too easy.
Herman from Mineral Bluff
December 30th, 2012
4:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Rick James
December 30th, 2012
4:06 pm
@Jarvis Jones gives Muschamp nightmares
Tech fans’ jealousy of Georgia success never ceases to amaze me.
————————————————————————————————
In most cases like GT Bob’s its obssesion with Georgia football.They like to post on Georgia blogs pretending to be Alabama fans or slam Georgia for losing to other teams or players getting in trouble.They will not discuss Tech/Georgia on the football field.I often wonder why..
Macon Mike
December 30th, 2012
4:08 pm
I/O Psychology? Great, more useless team building games that employees hate.
mgdawg
December 30th, 2012
4:30 pm
Any normal draft year I would say there is no way Murray leaves, he just won’t be that high. Even in a slim qb class at best murray is a 2-3 rounder. I also wonder what effect hutson mason will have on his decision, if mason and him are friends he might want to leave early to give mason a chance. If murray stays mason may never be a starter. Why bring in a new starter with only one year of eligibility? I know DJ, but has mason really proven what DJ had proven at this point? The camden co. kid will have had one redshirt year under his belt, Fautau will have had two years, and the other guy should just go ahead and move to WR.
Reebok
December 30th, 2012
4:38 pm
I’m guessing he will go pro, but I wish him great luck and a great career whatever he decides.
Mr. Smith & Wesson
December 30th, 2012
4:40 pm
Murray needs to go pro asap. I’m sure he and his family could use the money. Unless a team as dumb as the Minnesota Vikings or Denver Broncos were when they made Christian Ponder and Tebow first round picks, he will logically be a 3rd round pick who hopes to collect game checks sitting the bench for about ten years. Murray has done all he can for UGA. Richt and Bobo can’t help him to improve so what good would it do for him to comeback and tack on meaningless stats, go 10-3, and go to another Orlando Bowl in 2013 ?
He won’t ever compete in the NFL for a starting QB job, because he was coddled by Richt at UGA and given the starting QB position as soon as he signed. Murray is smart but because of the favoritism he benefitted from at UGA, he can’t spell the word competition, much less define it. Good Luck and goodbye. Now UGA fans can focus on Richt and Bobo’s next UGA screwup. Christian Lemay needs to transfer because he will never start for Georgia. Richt and Bobo only know how to “coach” QBs to be pocket-bound sitting ducks. If a QB has wheels like Texas Aggie Johnny Manziel or is a run and gun QB, Richt and Bobo can’t coach multiple threat QBs. It frustrates Richt and Bobo so much they don’t recruit those type of QBs and those type of QBs wouldn’t dare come to UGA to get screwed up training to be a pocket-bound sitting duck
. So who’s the next UGA sitting duck QB after Murray……Mason ? Doesn’t matter we will never win a national championship with the current masterminds coaching UGA’s offense. They try hard but always find ways to come up short. No wonder Orlando is currently UGA’s annual bowl destination. Let’s hope Murray can go out with winning a bowl for once.
Buckeye
December 30th, 2012
4:46 pm
Hey Murray,
See Colt McCoy. He’s about your size and a rag doll in the NFL.
Festus
December 30th, 2012
4:48 pm
Look at what happened to Marcus Latimore. The SC running back would have been a high draft choice. Now he won’t even be drafted. Take the money and run.
Rick James
December 30th, 2012
4:54 pm
@Festus
Look at what happened to Marcus Latimore. The SC running back would have been a high draft choice. Now he won’t even be drafted. Take the money and run.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Lattimore will be drafted and hopefully by the Falcons but not in the first round.He weill eventually get his money.Google Willis Magahee and tell us if you stil feel the same way about Marcus.
smartie
December 30th, 2012
5:02 pm
what a pathetic thread to post on. the ajc has some of the most idiotic readers in the nation. Aaron Murray is a young man that has given his all to the University of Georgia. his actions on and off the field have made this Dawg nothing but proud. you are a stupid person if you think anything other than that. Good luck, Aaron, either way. thanks, too, to people like crimson pride for defending him. i really doubt that these critics are fans of anyone. probably just insignificant losers with little self-esteem.
BG
December 30th, 2012
5:05 pm
Murray is coming back.
Jarvis Jones gives Muschamp nightmares
December 30th, 2012
5:13 pm
“what a pathetic thread to post on. the ajc has some of the most idiotic readers in the nation.”
You’re right about that! It’s a shame some readers have to resort to childish name-calling and bashing of collegiate athletes. What really annoys me is when people bash Georgia when they either don’t have a time themselves or their team LOST to Georgia. Some of them even admit they are Tech or Auburn fans, but continue to criticize our players and coaches. And of course, there are the people on here who steal someone else’s name and post under that.
SuperB
December 30th, 2012
5:19 pm
Murray NEEDS anothe ryear of seasoning to be a potential NFL QB. All other conjecture here is inane.
St Simons
December 30th, 2012
5:35 pm
please god, let it be his last game.
and recruit a qb, preferably with a last name like Heimlich
Big Crimson 75
December 30th, 2012
5:41 pm
Is Murray ready now? Probably not.
Is Murray a NFL QB? Probably so.
Is this the year to leave early? Definitely.
If your main competition is Geno Smith & Matt Barkley, sorry to my UGA friends, time to bounce!!
Big Crimson 75
December 30th, 2012
5:44 pm
Wet Willie — you’re a classic, my friend.
Nick will be directing traffic NSD.
…….and yes, I’ve heard the rumors of a tattoo removal artist needed!!
Smitty
December 30th, 2012
5:48 pm
Crimson…I think the two best teams in America played a month ago in The Georgia dome and we lost to another great Alabama team but I am not ashamed of how the Dawgs played. It was a classic game that will be remembered a long time….Good luck to the tide next Monday and let’s bring home another SEC National Championship
Kenny Powers
December 30th, 2012
5:48 pm
The thing about Murray going pro is that no matter what, he’ll prepare just as hard at the next level; just as he prepared at the college level; just as he prepared at the high school level; just as he prepared at the Tampa Bay Youth League…get it…if he goes, he’ll be prepared…there was an article about him being Peyton 2.0, well he is…he can make all the throws (according to the Manning Boot Camp)…QB’s throw in lanes, not one of them can throw over a 6′ 5″ DL with their arms making them what 9 ft tall, however no matter how tall you are, if you don’t prepare, you won’t be successful…Murray prepares = Murray will be successful…BTW, he really has not made up his mind, however he really is excited about how talented the offense will be next year…he is still sifting thru things…that is all
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
6:11 pm
Hey smitty, maybe you and crimson should get a room. You acting like a little puppy is a disgrace and you can kiss a bama fans a$$ all you want but they still won’t respect you.
Instead of kissing their rear end maybe you should tell them to kiss yours and that we will kick theirs next season.
GO DAWGS!!!
Ted Striker
December 30th, 2012
6:13 pm
Aaron Murray is a DGD.
Jimbo
December 30th, 2012
6:15 pm
I could see Murray going to Denver. They will be looking for someone to play behind Peyton Manning. Where it is this year or next is yet to be seen. I would think Aaron will let folks know sometime after the1st and before the 7th of Jan. I wish him the best no matter what he does. Anyway who are we to say, playing QB in the NFL is a crap shoot anyway. Look at the mess Tebow and Sanchez are in playing for NY. Stafford got $40M and got his brains beat out the first year David Green never got his jersey dirty. Murray could go on to be the best of the best or turn out to be a total bust. I would love to see him play behind a line that could protect him and with a defense that could stop the run or not give up big plays. Jenkins needs his butt kicked for his lack of responsibility to take care of things to play in the bowl game. I hope we don’t overlook Nebraska. They are a better team than the 70-30 game with WI. Remember Nebraska beat them in regular season play. That game was like our South Carolina game.
GTBob
December 30th, 2012
6:35 pm
If you put your pants on really fast, it feels good.
Smitty
December 30th, 2012
6:36 pm
Moist Dawg until we reach Alabama level we are shooting for getting there. Not kissing anybody’s ass just stating facts. They did beat us…maybe you missed that game but I do hope they win NC to keep our SEC string going. I am a Dawg first ….SEC second..
CashIn
December 30th, 2012
6:43 pm
murray will be heading to the nfl for all those millions soon—time to cash in baby!!!
GTBob
December 30th, 2012
6:44 pm
I always sit down when I make water. That way, I don’t miss.
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
6:48 pm
Smitty, you are a Jane Fonda Dawg fan overall. Just admit it frontrunner and put on your bama gear.
GTBob
December 30th, 2012
6:51 pm
When I laugh my step-daddy’s pee comes out of my nose.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
December 30th, 2012
7:03 pm
Moist Dawg is a bearded claim…just saying
aw
December 30th, 2012
7:05 pm
He will be back. Matt Barkley, Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson, Mike Glennon, Tyler Bray, Landry Jones, Sean Renfree, Jordan Rogers, Ryan Nassib, Collin Klein etc.
While I believe he would be drafted above some, why not stay and be drafted higher.
Moist Dawg
December 30th, 2012
7:06 pm
Oooh, good one. Maybe once you get your mouth off of nick sabans johnson you will finally contribute something of value to this blog
Brown Dog
December 30th, 2012
7:12 pm
Mr. Murray has earned the right to do what he thinks in his own best interest. He played his butt off against us. Was he perfect? No. Was he a DGD? Absolutely.