Dogs’ offense looks more versatile this year
Whether rolling out or taking off running, Aaron Murray should bring added versatility to the QB position. (AJC staff)
Despite the uncertainty over who’ll be the Dogs’ quarterback, most fans I’ve been talking with this spring feel pretty good about the offense because of the returning experience on the offensive line and at tailback, and, of course, A.J. Green.
But the Macon Telegraph’s spring practice coverage has touched on a couple of other reasons to be optimistic about UGA’s offensive prospects.
One is the likelihood of additional mobility at QB if either Aaron Murray or Logan Gray is behind center. While Mark Richt’s teams haven’t generally been known for a dual-threat QB except during 2005 with D.J. Shockley — and last year that really wasn’t part of the offense with Joe Cox — Georgia’s coaches think Murray and Gray have that potential. (Zach Mettenberger, not so much, but he’s pretty much taken himself out of the starter’s race at this point with a suspension hanging over his head.)
Speaking of Murray and Gray, Mark Richt said, “I believe those guys are athlete enough to add a little bit of quarterback run, run a little zone read, run a little quarterback draw. I don’t see us running a true option, but … we’ll have quarterback run gamed for them, and you would expect them to make plays either crossing the line of scrimmage or scrambling right, left, buying time and finding someone downfield.”
We’re not talking about the Dogs relying on their quarterback to run extensively. But instead of just sailing the ball out of bounds when everyone’s covered, Richt said, the quarterback can move up in the pocket and maybe have room to gain 4 or 5 yards. “If two times a game the quarterback can cross the line of scrimmage and get the first down when it wasn’t designed for it to happen that way, that’s huge, and I think those guys can do that.”
And if that proves to be the case, it can help the passing game, Richt notes. “Defenders respect a guy who can run and sometimes will come off a coverage to come get him, and all of a sudden they can flip it to a guy who’s open.”
A more mobile quarterback also allows you to move the pocket while he searches for an open receiver, like Matthew Stafford did against Kentucky a couple of years ago. Cox really wasn’t able to do that, which resulted in quite a few of his inteceptions.
The other plus for the Dogs’ offense highlighted by the Telegraph is the potential mismatch with the defense that tight ends Aron White and Orson Charles offer since both are athletic enough to split out at receiver, especially if a linebacker is trying to cover them.
As Murray noted, “It’s going to be good to have those guys just to confuse the defense, not knowing if we’re in a two-tight formation, or spread, or three receiver look.”
“It’s going to pose a great threat,” Murray said. “It’s going to be pretty hard for the defense … we come out with two tight ends, and they think we’re going to be in a two-tight formation and we split one out, or we split two out and they’re in a base defense. They’re not ready to handle four receivers. It causes it a lot of confusion just because of their athleticism.”
Yes, the Dogs will have an inexperienced quarterback this season. But barring any key injuries to the line, I’m still feeling really good about Georgia’s ability to move the ball and score.
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118 comments Add your comment
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:51 pm
They might as well cancel the season and deem us national champions of 2010.
UGAgrad04
March 23rd, 2010
1:54 pm
ESPN College Football
“if you would have beat Tenn and Florida in 2007 you would have won the SEC East and not left whining how you were cheated out of the BCS.”
No doubt. But winning the conference title did not keep previous teams out of the BCS title game and was not a provision in the BCS by laws. Nebraska got hammered by Colorado in 2001, yet got to play Miami in the title game, where they of course got killed. And Oklahoma got destroyed in their title game in 2003 yet got to play LSU for a shot at the BCS title. In 2003, LSU and USC were declared co-champions which is ironic when you consider that the whole point of the BCS is to ELIMINATE co-champions, which is failed to do. So if there is no clear cut National Champion( like there was in 2007), then the BCS title game is a sham. So it should have been LSU vs. Ohio State and USC vs. UGA, with the winners being co-champions. Since there is no playoff or plus 1 format, that is how that scenario should have played out.
I agree with you in that the Dawgs couldn’t complain too much, because they did get absolutely drilled in their game vs. Tennessee and were terrible in an early season loss to South Carolina. But there is also something to be said for late season momentum. Pro teams get on these kind of rolls all of the time, and sometimes it carries them to a championship. I believe that if the Dawgs played South Carolina or Tennessee later in the season, they would have beaten those teams in a rematch.
baddog
March 23rd, 2010
1:55 pm
Brandon Spikes – didn’t Tebow have more yardage running than passing as a Fullback/QB his freshman year when he was a backup? Other than Tenn. Tech (where Gray was 4 for 5 passing) how many games did Gray get to play in last year besides coming in late in an already losing effort to UF and UT? http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=240874
tony
March 23rd, 2010
1:58 pm
Just Sayin, I appreciate you correcting me on my post. I really meant to say if our defense is 50% better than they were last season and the Murray has a breakout season, I think we can win the sec. Hope Floats, there’s no hope for you evil kid.
Gator Fan
March 23rd, 2010
2:05 pm
Cant wait til fall, new players and stars on just about every team. The SEC should be a dog (no pun) fight this year.
HOUDAWG
March 23rd, 2010
2:08 pm
The key is how the OL starts out ……. if they can dominate some teams early on & have a solid running game ( especially against those SEC defenses ) , it’ll let Murray grow into the position. And , it should help the D as it transitions to the 3 – 4. Not to mention more turnovers needed from the D ……
A fair comparison tween QBs MS and AM
March 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
We can talk about one’s size or the other’s ability to hum the ball though a car wash tunnel w.o. it even getting wet and blah, blah, blah. All are important elements but they do not necessarily convert into NCs and SEC C’s. Buck Belue and David Green, DJ.Shockely, Ray Goff, Andy Johnson and Mike Cavan and even MIKE BOBO and a few other great UGA QBs wanted to be in Athens, at UGA and to WIN …period.
The ONLY comparsion between Stafford and Murray is attitude or the “do I really want to be here in this school, named UGA” ??? THAT IS THE MAJOR difference. Aaron Murray has that and he is now a leader. MS was NEVER connected to anyone on that team. He was aloof, and physically there but was not EVER a part of the team. This fact is why UGA was close but no cigars under MS.
Time will tell. We ought to win TWO SEC titles or ONE and maybe another SEC East in the next couple of years IF AM pans out.
Go Dogs.
how2fish
March 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm
Gator Fan couldn’t agree more it should be a joy to watch it all unfold!
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm
Gator Fan
March 23rd, 2010
2:05 pm
I agree.
Spike
March 23rd, 2010
2:57 pm
Throw the damn ball to Kris Durham!!
Craig
March 23rd, 2010
3:11 pm
I love that Vandy had a 2 game win streak over the Blama. I love that Blama had to forfeit those games. In fact, Blama is reminding us of how much they take after Florida- Fla used to get caught cheatin all the time. Now it’s Blama
LeeDawg
March 23rd, 2010
3:22 pm
All depends on Bobo. He just can’t seem to develop any rhythm with his play-calling.
Done Deal
March 23rd, 2010
3:55 pm
Go ahead and chalk it up; 2010 SEC and National Chumps. I mean Champs. No need to even play the schedule, soft though it is. I mean, who do we play that’ll be any good ? And, like, we’ll be AWESOME !!!!
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
4:13 pm
That’s the spirit Done Deal.
JC in Powder Springs
March 23rd, 2010
4:24 pm
The Dawgs have a lot of talent and depth. If they can reduce the stupid penalties and overcome Bobo’s poor playcalling, they should return to the top 10 and challenge for the SEC championship. The D will be much better this year mostly because of the emphasis on fundamentals, like tackling.
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
4:39 pm
UGA > GT, With that said, Murray is the next qb at UGA. Gray is a good athlete but cannot throw a football. He struggles with accuracy and would make a descent receiver. However, I really respect gray for not transferring and wanting to remain a bulldog
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
4:40 pm
not transfering when stafford became the starter. Go Dawgs!
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:50 pm
Not knowing whether UGA is in 2 TE, 1 wide, 3 WR set, or spread, will create lots of mismatches.
Look for Georgia to move to a possession style of offense–heavy run–lots of short passes.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:52 pm
We need 225-240 rushing yards a game to win the SEC:
125 from Ealey
75 from King
25 from QB
25 from Wooten/Smith/Green
I-DOG
March 23rd, 2010
4:55 pm
Agree about the weapons, but if we are one of the worst teams in the country in terms of turnovers and penalties, then it will be hard to keep the drives going, score points, and win games.
At this point I would institute a program (WELL BEFORE the season starts) where if a player turns the ball over they know they are going to be sitting for about a quarter or if a player commits a penalty they will be sitting for a series or two depending on the “dumbness” of the penalty.
I would let the team know that the QBS are EXCLUDED from this, but make it known to Murray who I assume will win the job… that he needs to value posession of the ball and keep turnovers to a minimum and let the playmakers make most of the plays. Otherwise the other guy is getting a chance.
If an OL holds, he sits the next series. If he commits a false start at the other teams 3 yard line, he sits for 2-3. If a defender gets called for a late hit, he can think about how that extended a scoring drive by sitting on the bench for a couple of series. If a running back or return guy fumbles you let him know that he can make up for it in the 2nd half or in the next game.
We can’t win the way we want to with the way we turn the ball over and are penalized. It just gives too much away to the opponent.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:59 pm
Richt thrives on being versatile ideally. Ideal play-mix is 50/50 run/pass, won’t happen in 2010 due to inexperienced QB.
But having a dual threat QB adds to having more things to prepare for, for the defense. Florida won a LOT of games by Tebow running for 5 or 6 yards when the D dropped too deep. a running QB also opens up the deep ball. Tebow proved EXTREMELY DURABLE, so it’s not that risky to have your QB run if he’s in good condition, Gray is in excellent condition. Murray is injury prone.
Also like having a thrower like Mett and Mason on the bench if needed, in case of injury.
Lots of options.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:00 pm
Branden Smith can get 50-75 yards a game rushing, if he’ll just protect the ball. He averages 12.2 ypc.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:01 pm
I’d say if a QB throws 2 INT’s in 1 game, bench him for the next game. 2 int’s in one game, is unforgivable.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:03 pm
If you fumble, unless a QB, you sit the rest of the game.
If QB fumbles more than 1x in a game, he sits for the rest of the game.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:23 pm
gRAY WAS eLITE 11 qb. rATED #5 DUAL-THREAT qb NATIONALLY. HAD A GREAT SRPING IN 2009, SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE STARTER.
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
5:31 pm
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTIONS?
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
5:32 pm
MINE WOULD BE UGA VS BAMA. UGA WINNING
Big D Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
5:37 pm
hope floats must be fuzzy bee, reality or even st simpleton from st simons
still trying to hide after the 30-24 run down
DawginLex
March 23rd, 2010
7:08 pm
All I can say is I’m gonna be po’d if anyone other than Murray is the starting QB. Logan Gray is not the answer, God love him. Mett is gonna sit at least 2 games. Murray has gotta start.
DawginLex
March 23rd, 2010
7:11 pm
Hope Floats can’t see his own private parts because of his belly.
Of course, he went to Tech so he doesn’t use them anyway.
blow up dolls don’t count……………………….
Small Johnson
March 23rd, 2010
7:26 pm
Here’s a thought
Stop the conservative play calling and we will win
Especially when we play FL
SOUTHGADAWG88
March 23rd, 2010
7:27 pm
I just hope the OL comes out of summer camp healthy.I’d love to hear that Sturdivant and Harmon are ready to provide some quality back up minutes.Cox had more TO’s than the rest of the team combined so if the starting QB can limit mistakes the Offense should be potent,CMR has had us near the top of the SEC on Offense for most of his tenure and I don’t expect that to change.If we can shave 6-7 points off of last year’s defensive points allowed number this is a 10-11 win team.
Edman
March 23rd, 2010
7:33 pm
Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?
Tiger
March 23rd, 2010
7:37 pm
Can I come watch a game dawg fans?
Pago Flyer
March 23rd, 2010
7:52 pm
Great…can we just beat UF/UT/ and UK this year??
All Cupcakes Conference
March 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
Tiger, given the abundance of trim in Athens on gameday, I doubt you’d be watching the game.
The Eternal Pessimist
March 23rd, 2010
8:24 pm
When I hear “option” I think “turnovers.”
Brainiac(Dawg for life)
March 23rd, 2010
8:26 pm
What in the hell is wrong with you people? You sound like a bunch of children or hungover tailgaters talking about benching guys for holding, interceptions, etc., etc., etc. A hold has saved a QB’s life many times and I have seen several tipped balls that turned into interceptions. God help us if our coaches take any of this BS serious(which I am sure they won’t).
Murray is not injury prone...
March 23rd, 2010
10:51 pm
Saw Murray play a team nationally ranked by he name of Armwood down here in Florida…Armwood was so good that they could probably beat some college teams…Armwood had a college coach draft something like 20 some different defensive “look” to use just against him to stop him…Armwood was a football factory for Div 1 recruits…saw Murray’s over-matched offensive line get beat on almost every play and saw him get hit hard on every play…Murray would hang in there delivering the ball, get up, and do it all over again…took some of the worst beatings that I’ve ever seen by a QB against any team…he would get up, dust himself off, and give encouragement to his offensive line…never once did I see him loose his cool and start screaming at his linemen, but I sure could understand if he did…the kid is a natural born leader and UGA is damn lucky to have him…so all of you so called fans, get off of this injury prone BS, anyone can break a bone…why play AJ, didn’t he go out with an injury last year…the kid is a gamer…
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:11 am
I think the continuing improvement of the RBs and finally having a mature, big, capable O-line will be the magic pill that somehow makes Coach Bobo smarter.
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:15 am
As yes, Murray is completely more qualified in the system than Stafford was his freshman year.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:21 am
run the ball
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
JB
March 24th, 2010
7:27 am
The defense can’t do anything but get better……I’m so sick of WR’s catching the ball against us without a Georgia DB within 10-15 yards. Willie played prevent the whole game. This new guy from UCONN, after watching some youtube of their bowl against Carolina, looks like the real deal. Garcia had to eat the ball a lot due to his receivers in lockdown. Also, Grantham doesn’t look like the type who will let someone sit in a pocket play after play and just pick us a part.
If the three new Defensive coach’s can coach this talent up, I think this year will a lot better.
JB
March 24th, 2010
7:32 am
I’m hearing that this little Jackson kid at RB ( Dontavious I think) is lighting it up. He’s 4.3 and there in 1 or 2 steps with vision and moves. I hope they come up with some plays to get him in space, not run him off tackle.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:33 am
run the ball March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:34 am
What game last year was our offensive line our strength? Or we owned a power running game? There is a reason we needed a lot of yards from the QB to win.
Everybody keeps pointing out to Bobo the need to run the ball…..do you really think he doesnt know that?
Wouldn’t actually being able to do it be a much larger component of that equation than just wanting to do it.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:03 am
run the ball
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:05 am
Thank you, run the ball, my sentiments exactly!
RRRRRRRRRRRRRUN THE DAMN’ BALL!!! (It controls the clock, and time of possession; it OPENS UP the passing game.) Please let me repeat that! (IT OPENS UP THE PASSING GAME!!!!!!)
Check out the history of UGA championship teams, every one of them was headed up by a sound, effective RUNNING GAME!
JB
March 24th, 2010
8:07 am
Here’s what I’m also hope changes with these three new coach’s. We come into some games in a “fog”. What happened to us at Tenn. last year was ALL coaching and having the team ready to play. Does anyone on here believe Tenn has talent that’s 40 points better than us. No.
We need to come ready to play, and the last 2-3 years, that’s been questionable.
HD
March 24th, 2010
8:12 am
BOBO falls asleep at the wheel. Our offense does fine, but goes through long periods of time when BOBO does nothing useful: OK State after first drive, LSU first half, Auburn beginning of game, KY after halftime, Tenn, TX A&M first half. The offense ends up racking up decent numbers, but there’s no consistency in terms of the quality of playcalling. I want to see a complete game from Bobo.