Short takes: Murray, defense rebound; freshmen shine
Tavarres King goes up for a 75-yard touchdown from Aaron Murray, one of five TDs from the quarterback. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
I’ll be back with my column on Georgia’s win over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl shortly. Until then, here are my three “short takes” on the game.
1. Defense underperforms but rebounds: When the season began, we were led to believe that Georgia’s defense was stuffed with several potential NFL players. If that’s true, the Bulldogs underperformed in several games. They were missing two linemen Tuesday (nose guard John Jenkins was academically ineligible; end Abry Jones was out with an ankle injury). But even then, Todd Grantham’s defense too often looked undisciplined (leading to breakdowns and penalties) and was shredded for far too many big plays. However, like in some other games, Georgia’s D made some big plays when it mattered most: Alec Olgetree forced a fumble at the Dogs’ 37, and Damian Swann had two interceptions. Nebraska, after scoring 31 points in the first 2½ quarters, was shut out the rest of the game.
2. Aaron Murray’s mixed performance: He threw a Georgia bowl-record five touchdown passes, but he probably left NFL scouts thoroughly confused. He threw interceptions on two of the Bulldogs’ first three possessions and completed only 11 of 24 passes to start the game, misfiring with open receivers. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said afterward Murray looked unsettled. But to his credit, Murray responded well to the adversity, as illustrated when he followed a first-quarter pick-six with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tavarres King on the next play from scrimmage. Before two late-game incompletes, Murray completed seven of his eight attempts, with two of those going for touchdowns.
3. Marshall and Gurley will be story in 2013: Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, the Dogs’ two freshmen running backs, far exceeded expectations this season, and we witnessed their special talents again this game. Gurley rushed for 125 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown run. Marshall rushed for 38 yards on only eight attempts, but he also showed off his receiving skills with a back-shoulder 24-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that gave Georgia a 38-31 lead. There won’t be any uncertainty about Georgia’s running game going into next season. And even if Murray turns pro, Gurley and Marshall figure to be the centerpieces of the offense.
– Jeff Schultz
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146 comments Add your comment
Badger
January 1st, 2013
6:54 pm
We hung 70 on those chumps so don’t get too full of yourselves.
goFalcons
January 1st, 2013
6:54 pm
Phil——– I watched the Espn morning show 2 Weeks ago and they had this guy on there and I swear I thought of you. He was a die hard Cinci fan who got tired of his team not winning and he went online and raised 500 dollars to buy pittsburg shirts and hats and stuff. He changed teams and said he was happy……….If you are willing to stop being a Falcon, UGA, and Braves fan and choose other teams and mean it,,,,,,,,I will donate 50 dollars to your fund in order to get you started buying other teams hats and stuff
Ken Cade
January 1st, 2013
6:55 pm
phil, your freakin so smart, I’m sure Coach Richt, Coach Bobo and Coach Grantham will clear their schedules to have a meeting with you.
This Just In........
January 1st, 2013
6:56 pm
Somebody, I mean anybody please tell me what you guys see in Murray as a top QB? I can reassure you this is the Matt Leinhart effect. He has major talent around him with “Gurshall”, and the big receivers he’s had. Stafford you could tell instantly was a top talent from day one, but Murray is at best a career back up in the NFL. Bray(Tenn) Glennon(N.C, State) Barkley (USC) and Smith(WVU) are your only first round talent and all need some mechanical adjustments. Go aheaad and doubt me UGA Fans, but remember David Greene was a beast(or so it looked that way) in the SEC, but lasted 3 “generous” years in the NFL. In order for UGA to win titles, they have gotta stop the run. Lets be honest people Nebraska gashed them up the middle and Kwame Geathers needs to come back one more year.Todd Gratham is a solid DC, but he needs to “vanilla” down the 3-4 and really needs to look at a 4-3 with the size up front. Georgia goes into 2013 with Jordan Jenkins as the next “beast mode” OLB, Josh Harvey Clemons, Shelton Dawson, Garrison Smith, Damien Swann, Amarro Herrera, and Ramik Wilson as sure starters, look out for Corey Moore, Ray Drew(finally) and Josh Dawson, along with the Nose Tackle outta Juco to make major contributions. This is a 11 win team next year if they focus and play ball. Tramel Terry will be given every opportunity, along with J Rump to get touches at the wide out spots, but I see Conley and J Scott Wesley as front runners. Great season Georgia, but now lets focus on a bigger picture. The one everybody in Georgia and Alabama know you should be in this year. BCS or Bust.
Beeeeg Boy
January 1st, 2013
6:56 pm
Bobo for President!!
phil
January 1st, 2013
6:56 pm
I do plenty, Ken Cade….
For starters, i don’t steal other’s names and try to be cute with em.
As for you, kingdaddy, i graduated from georgia in 1990. Big difference in those of us who actually went there and the likes of you.
Phil = gt bob
January 1st, 2013
6:57 pm
I love cpj. He makes me tingly all over
My mama is going to let me out of the basement once every 2 months this year
Thank God for prozac and other modern medical wonders!!!!!
439the
January 1st, 2013
6:57 pm
Not only did Dawgs win, but that crybaby, lip-flapping, Neb QB Martinez was crushed a couple of times at the end of the game. Enjoyed that almost as much as the win.
phil
January 1st, 2013
6:59 pm
Sorry, goFalcons, but us true blue fans don’t switch teams, no matter how disgusted we get with the mediocrity that guys like you, Ken Cade, kingdaddy and so many others seem to love.
You switch.
Marquis de Mercury
January 1st, 2013
6:59 pm
Murray should come back next season…has anyone ever won MVP of CapOne Bowl and Music City Bowl? next season will be his chance…
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:00 pm
Phil = gt bob
January 1st, 2013
6:57 pm
I love cpj. He makes me tingly all over
My mama is going to let me out of the basement once every 2 months this year
Thank God for prozac and other modern medical wonders!!!!!
*********
cute! Lol
Gtbob I definitely ain’t!!
Dewnsav
January 1st, 2013
7:01 pm
phil is a phreaking phake…go dogs
Athensdawg
January 1st, 2013
7:02 pm
Phil, lets say CMR is fired, name one coach that has a better resume and is available? Go ahead name one.
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
7:02 pm
I really dont think Richt Bobo and Grantham are going to clear their schedules to learn anything
I seem to remember one of them saying they know what they are doing
rogeriter
January 1st, 2013
7:03 pm
Phil–that’s what I figured…all talk! Quick to criticize others but probaly have never accomplished much with your life…even after going to Ga
Ken Cade
January 1st, 2013
7:04 pm
I’m sure it’s true you blew but a fan and team player would not find fault in everything that your team does. All you do is complain, about everything.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:04 pm
I don’t want Richt fired….
He’s an idiot who chokes under intense pressure, but he’s our idiot.
You guys love mediocrity, so i guess i will too.
Yay!
jack bull
January 1st, 2013
7:05 pm
A few observations…
-All of our Jr’s leave to go Pro
-CTG needs to throw out the page where we only have 2 down lineman and 2 rush ends. That alignment is guaranteed to give up 7-8 yards a pop..
-How we’re not recruiting another PK is beyond me!
-All we do under Bobo as OC is score 40+ pts a game.
Go DAWGS! Great season
RealisticDawg
January 1st, 2013
7:06 pm
Paul in NH—-the SEC is 3-2 now. Losses bt Miss St and LSU
Athensdawg
January 1st, 2013
7:07 pm
Phil, now go to bed suck your thumb and cry yourself to sleep.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:07 pm
Rogeriter – much more accomplished than your pea-sized mind could even imagine.
Ken Cade – i don’t complain about everything. Only the things that warrant it, which is pretty much everything.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:08 pm
Athensdawg – just worry about those employment applications and leave the thinking and doing to me…..
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
7:08 pm
Richts resume at UGA isnt really that hard to accomplish especially since Tenn is a laughable joke now and LSU and AL and FL are the only 3 teams that have been really good the last decade and LSU and AL we dont play every year
Red-N-Black
January 1st, 2013
7:09 pm
Hey Phil who won? That is all.
Mike S.
January 1st, 2013
7:10 pm
I’m not sure UGA will miss all these NFL talented guys on defense. They clearly did not have focus this year, starting with the offseason suspensions. Once they got called out mid season for playing soft, they responded the rest of the year until the second half against Bama. The first half today was more of the same.
Especially if Murray comes back, UGA wont be any worse next year. I cant see the defense playing worse than this one has most of the season. The offense will be lights out.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:11 pm
Red-N-Black
January 1st, 2013
7:09 pm
Hey Phil who won? That is all.
*********
who won? Bama won.
THAT was all. End of story.
Ken Cade
January 1st, 2013
7:14 pm
Aaron Murray passed for 427 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions today against the #1 rated pass defense in the victory over Nebraska. I’m sure some folks will find something to complain about with that.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:14 pm
Happy New Year, by the way, to all of you blind, mediocrity-loving, homers!
Skeptic
January 1st, 2013
7:14 pm
OMGGGGG!!!!! Can’t wait til the AP comes out tomorrow. What do you fellers think?
Frank
January 1st, 2013
7:15 pm
Well we see what Ga. can do with a easy schedule..2013 wont be this easy……You will still have to beat BAMA to win the SEC……..And it wont happen next year ……….
rogeriter
January 1st, 2013
7:15 pm
Phil– you probably won the beer drinking contest and was the envy of your friends for your tattoos. My pea-sized brain has written three novels, a best selling hit song which has been featured on 5 albums. I also was elected to the Atlanta Country Music hall of Fame. In addition, I have run several of the largest Real Estate firms in Ga. and served as President of the Metro South Atlanta association of Realtors. I have been a speaker in every state except 3 and have key-noted three National Conventions. Now there is Part of my resume! Tell me of all your accomplishments besides criticizing others who have accomplished something!
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:16 pm
Good for Murray. He did well. Of course, he did throw the two picks. Bad.
SouthernGent
January 1st, 2013
7:17 pm
Okay Phil … you are fired. What an idiot! Get a life. Go crawl back into the swamp!
Good 2nd half DAWGS, way to shuck the corn!
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
7:17 pm
The 2013 AP pre-season poll has UGA ranked #1 right??
Athensdawg
January 1st, 2013
7:18 pm
I have not received any employment applications from an idiot named Phil. I hire better employes.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:19 pm
Not bad, rogeriter….
I flew the space shuttle a few times, was once governor, won three super bowls as coach and a few other things i’ve forgotten now….
Flo-Ri-Duh
January 1st, 2013
7:20 pm
UGA will upset the Game Crocks in 2013 – Spud’s final year coaching and play Bummer once again for the SEC championship, winning this time, in Saban’s final year coaching Bummer. Spud will retire on his 70th birthday to Del Webb’s Sun City Golf Village and Saban will rabbit to Texas – land of the deep pockets. Saban loves Saban and Saban isn’t loyal to ANYONE but Saban. LSU, Clemson, S.C. , Florida and Bummer in the SEC champ game Guess GT Bob won’t be whining so much about UGA’s easy schedule next year?
Ken Cade
January 1st, 2013
7:21 pm
Jesus could walk on water and phil would say “Jesus can’t swim”….
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:23 pm
He did walk on water, you bonehead….
No need to swim so what does it matter if he could or not?
I tell ya….12 year olds.
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
7:24 pm
“UGA will upset the Game Crocks in 2013″
Wow has our program fallen that far that we call beating SC; a progam that has only won 6 bowl games in 100 years; an upset
or have we just gotten used to mediocrity
rogeriter
January 1st, 2013
7:25 pm
You also are a liar who has to make up accomplishments when, in truth, your only real accomplishment is to make fun of those, like Mark Richt and Aaron Murray who have accomplished something. But I’ll shut up for now and pray for you cause you need it!
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:26 pm
Used to mediocrity….
Just look at most of these posts.
I expect championships but not these boneheads.
Skeptic
January 1st, 2013
7:26 pm
Rogeriter
Throwing ole boy creds around on an AJC blog. Whooooo-weeeee!!!!! Whoops, though, I didn’t see anywhere that you like boiled peanuts or have a ‘69 Chevelle Super Sport. And, Atlanta CM HOF? There’s country music in Atlanta? Sorry, man, I’m calling you out. Unless you’re Travis Tritt, then I’ll beg your pardon.
Marquis de Mercury
January 1st, 2013
7:28 pm
ESPN spin says the victory was due to Nebraska’s defense not showing up again…the nationwide leader recognizes that UGA is a poser…up because everyone else is down…the Georgia way
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:29 pm
Being called a liar by mr real estate…..
That’s a good one.
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
7:31 pm
phil
come on we won…. right…… against a team that gave up 70 against Wisconsin LOL
you dont feel that we are “Knocking on the Door to Greatness”
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:32 pm
Lol at Skeptic!
You don’t respect the Atlanta country music hall of fame?
I can’t imagine why not.
phil
January 1st, 2013
7:33 pm
Yeah, I know, Flat Tire….
Don’t know why i’m not overly impressed.
I am glad we won, of course, but it’s once again just a meaningless, empty bowl game win.
Dawgdad (The Original)
January 1st, 2013
7:35 pm
How bad would Grantham’s D be if he didn’t have like 8 NFL caliber players? I thought we were supposed to have a shutdown D this year. Why are we paying this guy all this money, and what can we expect next year?
Congrats go to the Dawgs for hanging in there and for continuing to fight. Great game for some of those who got no chance previously this year, especially the younger receivers.
Ellijay
January 1st, 2013
7:36 pm
We bad that’s right we bad. Go Dawgs.