Fan talk: G-Day surprises and the Aaron Murray ‘conspiracy’ theories
Ricky Lowe runs for a surprise touchdown during the G-Day game. (Johnny Crawford / AJC)
Let’s jump right into a sampling of recent Junkyard Mail …
Ken Crow writes: Bill, I really enjoy the Blawg and your down-the-middle approach to fandom. You’re not afraid to criticize when you think it’s warranted, but you remain supportive of Coach Richt and the program and don’t continually harp on the negatives. I also appreciate your obvious love for the school and your hometown of Athens. I really wanted to get to the Classic City for G-Day this year but wasn’t able to because of some family stuff. I enjoyed your report from the game and was encouraged by what you said about the quarterbacks, running backs and defense. So who surprised you most at G-Day?
Thanks, Ken. While I thought Jay Rome’s long touchdown catch-run was the highlight of the day, it wasn’t particularly surprising, as I’d expected him to do well. And I was pleasantly surprised by the play of the starting offensive line. But I think the biggest surprise for me probably was the play of linebacker Ramik Wilson, who led the Red team defense with seven tackles (two for loss) and an interception that he returned 19 yards. And, of course, there was the play where Reuben Faloughi knocked the ball away from Black QB Parker Welch and unheralded senior defensive lineman Ricky Lowe grabbed the ball in midair and ran it back 62 yards for a touchdown, probably the highlight of his playing career at UGA. Those are the moments that make G-Day games fun.
Ed from Avondale Estates writes: So I’ve heard [Isaiah] Crowell has grown up and looks great, [Keith] Marshall is the real deal and Boo Malcome had a great spring. I’ve even gotten the position-of-the-day updates on Richard Samuel. Why no [Todd] Gurley updates? I have high hopes for that kid and he’s gotten no spring press. What’s the word?
The word is he’s still in high school. Gurley was not one of the UGA signees who enrolled early this year. But the coaches are very high on his potential and while he’ll start out preseason camp in August behind all the other tailbacks, I have a feeling his talent will show pretty quickly. Perhaps even enough for him to avoid taking a redshirt season in a crowded tailback corps.
Richard Hong writes: I wish someone would write an article that would explain why the QB position is not a wide open competition to see who should be the starter for this year. Sorry, but my untrained eyes just don’t see why people think [Aaron] Murray is such a good QB. He throws a lot of interceptions, makes a lot of bad decisions, can’t get out of the pocket when he needs to, fumbles when he does run and CANNOT throw the ball on the run. So please, would someone tell me what I’m not seeing?
On a similar note, Michael Jones writes: I like Aaron Murray but I am concerned with his accuracy and his trend of turning the ball over in big games that absolutely kill the Dawgs. Have you heard of outside the box training for Murray to get him to be more accurate and protecting the football? He got us to the SEC Championship game, I just want to see him make the next step.
There's a reason national sports media are high on Aaron Murray. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
I know there’s a segment of Bulldogs fandom that’s very down on Murray and convinced that Mark Richt and Mike Bobo are blindly letting him hold on to the starting quarterback’s job despite the obvious talents of backups Hutson Mason and Christian LeMay. Some folks even believe there’s some sort of “conspiracy” to keep Murray in a job he doesn’t deserve. I suppose some fans are remembering how Jim Donnan fell in love with Quincy Carter and ran off all his other quarterbacks. But this situation is nothing like that one. There’s a reason Murray made some All-SEC teams and is routinely cited by national sports media as one of the best QBs in the conference. He was the SEC’s No. 2 passer, throwing for 3,149 yards and 35 touchdowns a season ago. He ranked second in passing yards per game, second in total offense and fourth in passing efficiency. Of the returning quarterbacks in FBS football, only Southern Cal’s Matt Barkley threw for more touchdowns (37) in 2011 than Murray. Yes, Murray threw too many interceptions last season and had a couple of very costly fumbles. Richt himself has noted Murray needs to do a better job of taking care of the football. But as I wrote when we discussed Murray in January, the argument can be made that his tendency to fumble or throw a pick 6 at the worst possible time might be at least in part attributable to the sketchy protection he was getting from Georgia’s erratic offensive line and, in the last couple of games, the lack of a consistent running attack. This year he’ll again open the season behind a questionable OL, but he should have a much more potent, consistent group of running backs, which Bobo has said he thinks will make Murray a better quarterback. And sheer experience should help Murray make better on-field decisions and improve his ball security. He’s a good on-field leader and showed in last year’s Florida game that he can make big-time throws in tough situations, especially those two fourth-down touchdowns. I know, the knock on him is that he’s yet to beat a really good team. And I’ll agree that Mason and LeMay both show a lot of potential. But, frankly, from what I’ve seen so far, neither one is ready yet to supplant Murray.
Devon Wade writes: Bill, I am a former Tucker Tiger and if you know anything about Ga. high school football you will know that Tucker High School has been a UGA pipeline for several years now. It is most definitely Dawg Country. However, when I graduated high school I landed at a small liberal arts college right outside of Columbia, Mo. (right in the middle of Tiger Country). My roommate during my entire time in college is a die-hard Mizzou fan, and of course I am a Dawg through and through. We have always joked around about whose team would win if the two ever faced. Well lo and behold the semester AFTER we graduate they become division rivals and I know he has been salivating with the recent suspensions of key players going into that game in Columbia (which I will be at with him). I am still confident that between now and then CMR can get some players to fill in the holes in the secondary and I think our front seven can get enough pressure to make [Mizzou quarterback James] Franklin more uncomfortable than he has ever been. I believe our defense is still more talented than theirs even without several starters. Should I have reason to still be confident that we can pick up the W in Columbia minus key players? Appreciate your consideration. Big fan of the Blawg.
Thanks. I tend to agree with you, Devon. While Georgia won’t enter the game against Missouri at full-strength, I think the Dogs’ defensive front seven will be formidable. And from what I saw last year of Mizzou’s defense, I don’t believe it’s yet SEC-ready.
Richard Judy writes: Enjoyed your comment about my hero, Fred Birchmore. I am a ’73 UGA grad, and just after graduating I hiked the Appalachian Trail from Maine back to Georgia. Fred and [son] Danny read an article I wrote in the old AJC Sunday Magazine and asked me to counsel them on their upcoming Georgia to Maine AT thru-hike. I was invited into the Birchmore home and quickly discovered what special people these were. Fred and Danny needed no advice from me, but they made me feel like a real friend. A few years back, when my daughter was a J-school student at UGA, she contacted Fred about doing a story for the old UGAzine publication. He treated her like royalty and said very kind things to her about her old man. Fred was a class act, the kind of man who deserved a century of high-quality living.
Thanks, Richard. You’re right that the Birchmores are a very special family and Athens and UGA are both much better off for them having been there.
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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739 comments Add your comment
Tim
April 21st, 2012
4:58 pm
Murray is an average quarterback who chokes in big games. He looks good against inferior talent, whoopee. It is wrong not to have competition. The Ole Ball Coach would manage this differently and better.
P. Bull Terrier
April 21st, 2012
5:03 pm
I thought Ed from Avondale Estates was going to win the Idiot of the Day Award for his question/complaint about the lack of spring training news on Todd Gurley when the kid is still in high school getting ready for his senior prom, then the anti-Murray crowd showed up with their conspiracy theories and stole Ed’s thunder.
The sad thing is that most of the competition for the Idiot of the Day Award comes from our own “fans”. Most of the regular Techie trolls haven’t even weighed in with their opinions yet. It just goes to show, you have to work very hard around here if you want to be the top idiot.
FLA DAWG
April 21st, 2012
5:10 pm
I agree with you Bill about Murray. The kid has great numbers that people don’t seem to appreciate probably because of his errors. I also agree that while he can improve most of his errors are due to the inconsistent play (or perhaps consistent bad play) by the O line. Murray didn’t even have a tough fullback to rely on for protection. That kind of weakness on Offense can easily carry over from one play to another and bad decisions are the result.
I am baffled however as to your support of Mark Richt and even more so by your support of Mike Bobo.
I think Miles and Saban eat these guys as an appetizer every year. I’ve seen ZERO improvement in the performance of either of these gentlemen as coaches. Would Bobo be hired as an SEC OC by any other team in the east or west? I don’t think so.
McGarity gave the extensions and I don’t know what he based the decision on. A ten game win streak against cupcakes bookended by double losses against good and great teams is not a ringing endorsement for contract extension in my book.
This will be an interesting season. I hope we will all know about Richt and Bobo for certain one way or the other so we can move forward instead of accepting mediocrity. Winning the SEC East by beating nobody teams and being annihilated by LSU is not a great season in my opinion.
Dawg Tired
April 21st, 2012
5:15 pm
Bigdawg1 – Your are absolutely right in saying Murray is our QB and Obama is out president.
How is our team and country doing right now? I actually have much more confidence in Murray righting the ship.
Joe
April 21st, 2012
5:17 pm
Clearly the defense, special teams, or other offensive players have no bearing on the fact if we win or lose a game. It’s all the QB’s fault.
AJ McCaron (sp?) went 13-1 last year starting for Alabama and won a national championship. He would be 3rd string in our QB depth chart – he’d lose a tight race with Mason for 2nd string – not joking. I seriously don’t understand most of your thought processes? Just looking at wins/losses or stats is a huge mistake! So Trent Richardson didn’t matter for Alabama? The #1 ranked Alabama defense in the nation didn’t matter? What are you – some math nerd at georgia tech?
What else are you drawing your conclusions from? If you say it’s what you see on t.v., then you clearly don’t know what you are looking at. You can’t blame a running back for getting tackled 3 yards in the backfield. Just because you couldn’t see a OL blow an assignment on tv doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or be the single most dominating factor in the blown play.
. Congratulations, you guys are the King of Morons.
Dawg Tired
April 21st, 2012
5:18 pm
BTW – The idiot of the day award generally goes to someone calling others idiots. Think about it… uh… at least try to think about it.
Pago Pago Dawg
April 21st, 2012
5:18 pm
Can’t believe some of you people are actually thinking UGA=National Championship?! Whaaat?
We haven’t even won a bowl game in 2 years….come on.
slydog
April 21st, 2012
5:19 pm
Murray has beaten a Top 25 team? Mason has had his shot? Must be the alternate universe.
Joe
April 21st, 2012
5:24 pm
Pago Pago
Auburn went 5-7 before their National Championship. Alabama went 6-6 before their 1st of the Saban era. You sir, are captain stupid.
slydog
April 21st, 2012
5:33 pm
I will say this. Receivers have dropped wide open touchdown passes. The o-line’s pass protection has not been up to par in about 5 years. The running game has been suspect. These all sound like issues NFL QB’s go through yet we still hold them accountable win it comes down to wins and losses. I guess when Georgia loses a game, we shouldn’t blame the coaches or the players, just the idiot fans, right? Great QB’s win big games. Great QB’s make other players around them better. IMHO, Murray has the same problem as Matt Ryan: Just “enough” talent to get the job done but not enough fire. Sure, he’s tough, but I’ve never seen him get after a teammate. So why be called an idiot if all Murray’s proven is he’s an average QB? Get over it and calm down. No one said he sucked. But he definitely doesn’t overachieve. Yes men, or “yes” fans, kill programs and muddle in mediocrity. For all you bible thumpers:
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6
Ugaalum
April 21st, 2012
5:41 pm
Lemay will never be the QB at UGA. Why the AJC keeps writing this crap about him I have no idea. But just look at the AJC track record on trying to promote the QB they like. None of them ever pan out to be as good as they say they are and Ramsey will be another victim. Just watch. Watched him at the Elite 11 and he did not look that great. He will also play a tougher schedule this year as well. Cake walk is over Camden….
DawgFan in Leesburg
April 21st, 2012
5:42 pm
All you Murray-bashers will be singing a different tune this time next year. Aaron is starting his 3rd year in the toughest conference in the land and his experience will serve him well the next 2 years. Unpredictable playcalling is an absolute must. A solid running game and stable O-Line will also be the keys. Get those things settled, and Murray wins the big ones.
The kid in not only a student of the game and tough as nails, he also came to Georgia because he wanted to be a Bulldog. This endears him to me because he lived in the heart of Gator country, but he went against all odds, and chose the University of Georgia. I believe he will finish as an All-American, and then go on to make us proud in the NFL.
Go Aaron and Go Dawgs. As for the AM-bashers, you know where you can go.
Akbar
April 21st, 2012
5:47 pm
No conspiracy, sure, Mark Richt is starting a QB that has an 0-9 record versus ranked teams because Murray gives us the best chance to win.
0-9, best chance to win, sure, no conspiracy. Richt shows excellent judgment here to start a QB that has a big juicy fat “0 winning %” versus ranked teams.
Akbar
April 21st, 2012
5:56 pm
Shh, don’t tell anyone that ex-UGA Matthew Stafford was one of the judges for the Elite 11 MVP, after Murray has declared UGA. Wonder who Stafford nominated for Elite 11 MVP?
No conspiracy, shhhh.
7576 DAWG
April 21st, 2012
6:01 pm
I think CMR and Bobo are counting on the running game to be so much better than last year , providing the balance offense that we did not have in the hard games . The games that we won and dominated was because we had that balance offense that makes everything better.
Against the good teams the first thing that they did was make sure they stopped our running game. Stop our running game and that puts a lot of pressure on the Quarterback to make up for what is lacking in the running game. That’s when you can count on mistakes being the key to beating Georgia.
I will admit Murray was lights out against LSU and the key in losing that game was not as much Murray fumbling before half as our receiver dropping two touchdown passes in the first half. That kills momentum and confidence.
Akbar
April 21st, 2012
6:02 pm
Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but Murray broke his leg his Senior year at Plant, missed 7 games, and his back up QB came in and went 7-0, and led Plant into the playoffs. Murray just watched. Team went undefeated without Murray. Shhh, don’t tell anyone….
Akbar
April 21st, 2012
6:04 pm
Shh, don’t tell anyone, but Plant won 3 state championships, including the year before Murray started, and the year after Murray left, whoever was starting at QB didn’t matter. Shhh, don’t tell anyone…..
Bob
April 21st, 2012
6:11 pm
Murray is an average QB playing for an average head coach and OC. If you change one of these, UGA just might have a chance.
Just win the darn title UGA to shut us all up including me
April 21st, 2012
6:18 pm
UGA, please win a MNC before I die so we’ll all just shut up. I’m tired of whining. LOL.
Game Changer
April 21st, 2012
6:20 pm
At the elite 11 workouts, future GA QB ramsey perform the worse of all QB’s. This is the facts and yet you will see Kipp Adams and others on the inside promote otherwise. SAD, just freakin sad, more bad news in the future for GA. Also, a ga commit db ran his mouth over and over at other athletes even after getting toasted time and time again, sound familiar, he will fit in nicely huh. GA football continues to spiral down without any LEADERSHIP around top to bottom. Aaron Murray had nothing to do with his high school victories.
Akbar
April 21st, 2012
6:23 pm
Shhh, please don’t tell anyone this, but, Murray’s record is 4-10 against winning teams, and 0-9 against ranked teams. Murray is also 0-1 in conference championships and 0-2 in Bowl games. 12 of Murray’s 16 wins were against teams with losing records. Shh, don’t let this out…..
tc
April 21st, 2012
6:28 pm
Some fans believe that Mark Richt does not deserve to be Georgia’s head coach
Bob
April 21st, 2012
6:29 pm
Akbar and Game Changer, remember that Murray finished first in the elite QB workouts. And how’s that working out for us?
tc
April 21st, 2012
6:33 pm
It is totally unfair to judge Murray with the absolutely horible play calling from bobo and Richt. The best QB in college would not win a NC with bobo and richt game planning and calling the shots.
Bob
April 21st, 2012
6:35 pm
I think M. Mitchell is the best bet we have for a winning QB; however, Richt is moving him to safety. Richt will never win the big one because he can’t think outside the box. And Bobo is an inbred idiot…just my opinion.
BackPorchWillie
April 21st, 2012
6:37 pm
I wouldn’t blame Bobo, Bobo’s playcalling got us to a #2 ranking with Stafford. Bobo also won a lot of games with DJ and David G. Bobo is not the issue.
Texas Dawg
April 21st, 2012
6:37 pm
The Press and others speak of Murrys numbers……TD’ s…. Yards ect……….the problem dawg fans like myself have is that those numbers are agaisnt weak team………yea he will throw for 350 yards aginst Buffalo……but what will he do in the most important games(ranked Teams) ………………….he hasn’t got it done when it mattered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Georgiana Bulltiger
April 21st, 2012
6:41 pm
Call me crazy but I think ZM was set up in Bremerton to get him out of the way. This is not pure speculation on my part.
Worked out okay for Zach, though. LSU, too.
tc
April 21st, 2012
6:42 pm
bob not the issue? we should have won a NC with stafford! Bobo calls runs on 1st and 2nd down then on 3rd and 8 passes for a hail mary 40 yard incompletion. Or he passes on 1st and second down for incompletions then runs on 3rd and 10 probably and QB sneak, sound familiar to anyone?
Bob
April 21st, 2012
6:42 pm
Hey Back Porch…can you score me some of what you’re smoking? Thanks.
6-18 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
April 21st, 2012
6:49 pm
@Just Win….couldn’t have said it better myself.
Unfortunately, Boss Hogg, Roscoe P. Coltrane, and Deputy Enos (that would be Prez Adams, Mark Richt, and McGarrity, respectively) have no inclination in pursuing the goal of winning a NC.
BackPorchWillie
April 21st, 2012
6:50 pm
Until we cut down the interceptions to @5 a season, the sacks to @10 a year, and the rushing game up to @200 yards per game, we’re not going to attract Elite O-Linemen, because they want to go NFL, and those arn’t the kind of things that impress NFL scouts, ie 35 sacks and 14 interceptions and a poor running game.
6-18 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
April 21st, 2012
6:55 pm
@BackPorch….good point. Richt is so in love with WR and TE and neglects the O-line. LSU and Bama have shown how to win the NC, winning in the trenches!! We’ve had crappy O-line for the past 5 years b/c of poor recruiting…..that falls squarely on Richt’s recruiting style…..he likes flash, doesn’t care about the beef up front
Game Changer
April 21st, 2012
6:59 pm
Mike Bobo wants to play Mason at QB, not sure if it will make the difference or not but Richt has forced Murray down eveyrone’s throat.
Aaron Murray is a bad QB, I and many others know that he is the weak link to a winning football program along with the offensive lineman, both offensive and defensive coordinators, and defensive players. Aaron Murray is not a leader of the team and no one follows him, now that OC is gone no one left to protect him but Richt himself. Mark Richt will keep GA swirling around the toilet in 2012.
Orange12
April 21st, 2012
7:01 pm
Murray personally gives two games away every year. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s a fact!
David from Dalton
April 21st, 2012
7:03 pm
Just a question for the fanbase…does Richt stay if they go 8-4? what about 7-5?..where is the line? I’m thinking 7-5 is serious trouble. Anything worse, adios!
6-18 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
April 21st, 2012
7:06 pm
@David from Walton…..Nah, Boss Hogg(pres Adams) will yell and scream at Roscoe P. Coltrane (Richt), but in the end, he’ll keep him and UGA will continue to wallow in mediocrity
AeroJones
April 21st, 2012
7:14 pm
Z Mettenberger, is now top 10 on fantasy league searches for all of college football. Kid is going to tear it up this year at LSU, may throw 45 touchdowns, and go for 4000 yards.
http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/cfb/college-football
evil empire
April 21st, 2012
7:15 pm
yes….yes….just as i had hoped….wwwoooooooohahaahahahahaha!!!!!!!
Kenareavis Steptoe
April 21st, 2012
7:19 pm
ZMETT gonna win his self a ring in BR, LA. Georgia shoulda just kept dat bs on tha downlow.
Danny from Dacula
April 21st, 2012
7:22 pm
Are we already putting CMR back on the hot seat? Sounds like alot of folks would have never taken him off. Man, the ink ain’t dry yet on the extension.
FairPlay
April 21st, 2012
7:45 pm
It’s time for a new QB. H.Mason outshines Murray in every way.
Changeitup
April 21st, 2012
7:52 pm
True. It is time. Mason needs a chance to show what he can do on a regular basis.
DantheDawgFan
April 21st, 2012
7:55 pm
Unfortunately most Dawg fans, like every other teams fans, are morons.
NotheGADawg
April 21st, 2012
7:55 pm
I agree with Bill that Murray is the best QB on the team right now, but I would like to see Murray held responsible for his mistakes; i.e. a good chewing out from CMR, and maybe let a backup in there for a play or two. Go Dawgs!!!
dmr
April 21st, 2012
8:13 pm
I appreciate fans not being happy about Murray and some of the mistakes he has made as Georgia’s starting QB. However, if you don’t think this guy has earned it, you obviously don’t know football. Murray was 209 of 342 with 61.1% completion rate, 3,049 yards, a passer rating of 154, with 24 td’s and 9 interceptions AS A FRESHMAN. His second year he was 238 for 403, 3,149 yards passing, 59.1% completion rate, a passer rating of 146, with 35 td’s and 14 int’s. So with 59 td’s and 23 int’s and a completion rate of approx. 60%, Murray numbers look really good. Couple that with the fact that Georgia’s offensive line has been suspect year after year, and last year due to King and Ealey making early unexpected exits, the passing game was expected to carry the Dawgs a bit. If you don’t think Murray earned the position, you need to go watch another sport.
jj
April 21st, 2012
8:37 pm
Well, somebody step up and earn the job. Murray is gonna be the man in the fall.
GTBob
April 21st, 2012
8:42 pm
Murray will be the man in the fall to throw a ton of interceptions and generally mismanage any close game you fleabags find yourselves in.
I went to the T-Day game Friday night and The Flats is the place to find impressive looking young student athletes. Mark it down, we will beat UGA between your overgrown weeds this year.
UGATruBlu
April 21st, 2012
8:53 pm
Murray is 0-9 as a starter against ranked teams. If you fans can’t see he has earned his position, wow. What an amazing, tremendous record.
tide roll
April 21st, 2012
8:59 pm
w