National media loves this Dawg — why don’t all UGA fans?
Sporting News ranks Aaron Murray one of the top 25 college players in the country. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Matt Hayes of the Sporting News released his annual post-spring ranking of the top 25 players in college football, and two Georgia Bulldogs made the list, which was topped by Southern Cal quarterback Matt Barkley.
The first Dawg making the top 25 won’t surprise anyone: Jarvis Jones, who picked up an award as the nation’s top linebacker at the G-Day game, was ranked No. 5 on the list. The breakdown: “Disruptive edge rusher, sure tackler, defensive leader. The perfect combination.” And Hayes quotes an NFL scout as saying Jones is “the prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker. A top five [overall] guy.”
The other UGA player on the list? Aaron Murray, who some UGA fans don’t even think is the best quarterback on the team!
Hayes’ breakdown on Murray: “A fiery, tough competitor with good NFL measurables who has improved every season. Can he lead the Dawgs to a big season?” And an NFL scout says: “He still makes too many poor decisions, and his accuracy is a big question. But you love his moxie and intangibles.”
Hayes and the scout pretty well sum up the upside and downside of Murray, who was the subject of a heated fan Junkyard Mail discussion over the weekend that spilled over onto local sports talk radio in Atlanta Tuesday.
Why the disconnect between the way national sports media see Murray and the grumbling he inspires among some Georgia fans?
Part of it, I think, is the natural tendency of fans to complain about starting quarterbacks (ditto offensive coordinators/playcallers). I remember fans griping about Matt Stafford’s decision-making. And as rock-solid and successful as David Greene was, there was a minor QB controversy for a while early in his tenure, sparked by supporters of D.J Shockley, who thought he ought to get more playing time or be the starter. Remember?
I believe my friend Steve put his finger on it Tuesday when he said he thought the way No. 11 ended the season — with an error-filled implosion in the Dawgs’ bowl game against Michigan State — left a lingering dissatisfaction among fans. The what-have-you-done-for-me-lately syndrome.
But, as Steve said, Murray is still the best quarterback Mark Richt has. And, as Sporting News sees it, one of the best in the nation.
Like I said in Saturday’s Blawg, I think Murray has a lot of areas in which he needs to improve. But I don’t have any doubt he’s Richt’s best choice to lead the Bulldogs right now.
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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461 comments Add your comment
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
1:17 pm
Neutral,
You forgot Stafford (#1 pick)
Yes indeed I did because I didn’t want to be biased…..that’s why I’m called Neutral
GTBob
April 25th, 2012
1:20 pm
I said he played better. I never said his statistic were better.
Please give me a good argument for why you think he played better then.
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
1:23 pm
NO, you missed my point GTBob. His stats weren’t that much lower even though he faced the best defenses in the SEC……and the experts (SEC coaches) took that into consideration when they said 10 QBs in the Conference were worse and only one better. I vote for keeping Murray because he loves to chew your team up and spit them out……thus the reason you think UGa should play someone else. I get it…..sounds like good logic if you are a GT fan doesn’t it!?!?
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
April 25th, 2012
1:24 pm
Because you football morons are too busy blaming him to see that you don’t really have a good defense. According to some of you, the offense is the reason the defense gives up 40 pts to ranked teams.
Who to believe?
April 25th, 2012
1:25 pm
Most people on here know the weaknesses Murray has as pointed out in the article. However, SEC coaches think he is very good. The pro scouts consulted in the article know he is not a perfect QB, but they think his strengths outnumber his weaknesses to the point he is one of the elite college players in the country. They seem to feel as I, that he will only get better.
So, the dilemma- do I go by a bunch of keyboard warriors, or by Saban, Miles, Spurrier, Chizik, etc. and pro scouts? Not a tough choice for me, but your mileage may vary.
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
1:25 pm
What were his stats vs. GT, FL, SC and Auburn last year compared to the previous year? I think better……especially against the bugs!!!!!!
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
1:27 pm
Good points “Who do you believe”
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
1:30 pm
Sorry I messed-up your name Mr. Who To Believe, but you are so correct
B C Dawg
April 25th, 2012
1:31 pm
Think the article pretty much right on. Can see Murray throwing the 35-40 td”s this year and cutting down fumbles and Int’s just due to fact been theren done that before. Will be best in league this year.
@Beainiac–Don’t worry about new punter and kicker. The kicker puts them 8 yards deep endzone average. Punter will be ever bit as good as Drew, and probably more consistent.
Rationale
April 25th, 2012
1:33 pm
My opinion is the guys who rate Murray so highly see his state, but never watch UGA games.
tony
April 25th, 2012
1:34 pm
UGA vs SC http://youtu.be/csESVDv_mYc
UGA vs MSU http://youtu.be/Gc9Me0P6Zu8
UGA vs LSU http://youtu.be/JS0u7v8gSuk
Sorry, but Aaron Murray scares me. Had Buck Belue turned the ball over in 1979-80 the way Aaron Murray turned the ball over, there would be no nc in1980. I hope LeMay get’s his opportunity if Murray screw up again.
UGADawg83
April 25th, 2012
1:35 pm
Heck, even Buck got booed a few times and John Lastinger lost two games as a starter at Georgia and look the grief he received. I remember gripes about Eric and Bobo too. Folks are just going to complain about the starting QB if your team doesn’t go undefeated.
By the way Bill……Glad to hear the opinion of your friend Steve. I guess the homeless guy at the corner was unavailable for comment.
Brainiac
April 25th, 2012
1:38 pm
@ BC Dawg:
Thanks for the info
Sounds great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GTBob
April 25th, 2012
1:45 pm
What were his stats vs. GT, FL, SC and Auburn last year compared to the previous year? I think better……especially against the bugs!!!!!!
Nope. Worse against the bugs and gators (much worse). Better against SC and Auburn though.
Passing Stats
Against GT – 2010: 79% 271 yards 3TD’s 0 INT’s Rating: 250
Against GT – 2011: 65% 252 yards 4TD’s 1 INT Rating: 177
Against Florida – 2010: 49% 313 yards 3TD’s 3 INT’s Rating: 130
Against Florida – 2011: 44% 169 yards 2TD’s 1 INT Rating: 99
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 25th, 2012
1:47 pm
@Dawginlex…..get some crystal trophies, the you can fire back, but at this point, the program has no ammo. This program is nothing more than a ton of excuses, with fans looking the other way and eventually cooling off after dismal season, after dismal season. These blogs are priceless, because all the recruiting and defending of this program only makes it a larger joke.
Which team dropped in the polls in the first 2 weeks in 2008 after a pre-season ranking of #1 with wins? Ans: UGA
Which team only has one national title in 118 years of football? Ans: UGA
Which team does not allow criticism of their head coach? Ans: UGA
Which team does not have the guts to accept the 2 losses in 1943 and 1944 to GT, thus dis-respecting the military? Ans: UGA
Which team has some of the easiest schedules in D-1 and/or SEC football? Ans: UGA
Which coach owns this program? Ans: Steve Spurrier
Which coach can take any program and beat UGA, because he found the weakness in the program? Ans: Steve Spurrer
Who hung over 50 points on Dogs in 1995 between the hedges? Ans: Steve Spurrier
Which team gets excited just to be in the SEC? Ans: UGA
Which team has the toughest road schedule and will get the most respect in 2012? Ans: Alabama
Which team has 14 national titles? Ans: Alabama
Which team beat the pure living daylights out of UGA in 2008 during College Gameday and the “blackout? Ans: Alabama
how2fish
April 25th, 2012
1:48 pm
I think if we get better all round OL play our running game will be much improved with Crowell and Boo and Co and so will the play of A Murray. Go Dogs!
Mobile Dawg
April 25th, 2012
1:48 pm
There’s never an opportune time for a turnover. Several of Murrays were game changing or momentum changers. Add to that, CMR refused to consider giving any playing time to another QB which IMO isn’t smart coaching. Not saying to give a player more time to satisfy the masses, it just makes sense to me to get the back up QB a little more experience.
I echo the fact that a solid running game will take the pressure off Murray and if he settles down he will have the opportunity to meet the expectations placed upon him. OL should have the responsibility placed “clearly” on their shoulders. This season is theirs, meaning if they perform solidly we should have a “marquee” season.
AltamahaDawg
April 25th, 2012
1:49 pm
A fact that I think is too often overlooked is that last season, Georgia made a major change to how it runs it’s offense. It was a direct attempt to get a faster pace and run more plays. Went from the bottom to the top in the SEC in, total plays, first downs, 3rd down conversions, RZ attmepts. Murray also attempted quite a few more passes. He was given a lot more plays to use. Passing TDs and FG attempt were also dramtically increased. NONE of that would have been possible the year before, IMO, and I would call that a pretty clear sign of improvement at the QB position running the offense. I also beleive he was much more of a leader, which is part of playing the position.
There are any number of reason that personal stats can vary. I would say it’s partly because they gave him a lot more to do, and that seems like it logically would have some affect in the short run as far as stats. I make improvements to processes in my business all the time that do not immediately show better numbers, but it’s still my believe that its “playing better” and in time it will prove to be so in the raw numbers, which is all you are hanging that argument on.
Aside from the idea that no rational person is even going to believe that Aaron Murray did not benefit and improve as a football player the second full year of starting, as a matter of common sense.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 25th, 2012
1:53 pm
GT is an automatic for Athens every year, and are basically 1-0 before the season starts. UGA does not have to end with Florida, Miami, OU, UT, and most importantly UA or Auburn. Move UGA to the SEC West, then you can talk some smack. The SEC East is weaker than the West, thus another reason this program is such a joke,
UGA will cruise until they meet Mizzou and most likley lose on the road like typical, then the bloggers will be back with the genious insight on the running game, defensive schemes or special, but the bottom line is that losing sucks, and UGA is good at it.
Bama=home of the T-bag special
April 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
@Mike Bobo 17 INT which team was on probation last? Which team had to void 20 + wins last..??
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
Stats and optimism are nice, crystal trophies are nicer.
DawginLex
April 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
Interception idiot responds with more idiotic drivel
Later loser
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 25th, 2012
1:55 pm
The SEC finally steps outside their comfort zone with the Aggies and Mizzou, the scores will tell.
AltamahaDawg
April 25th, 2012
1:55 pm
Mobile Dawg, My problem with the “more time to others” theory is that more time might prepare a back-up better. Very good argument to let somebody get more experience. (although I recall Mason getting in, any time it was really possible. Not sure when that woudkl have really been more) .
But then it seems to get extended…….. in the context of arguing for pulling the starter out at the most critical times of the game, and that just does not seem like a legit option to me.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 25th, 2012
1:57 pm
There are no fundamental issues with Murray or Bobo, and the OL is large enough and fast enough to provide adequate blocking. I have said if before, if Grantham gets the defense up to speed, CMR has the opportunity to light up defenses, but we will only know once the whistle blows.
Brainiac
April 25th, 2012
1:59 pm
@ Steve Stone:
How could it possibly matter to you what, who, where and when anything, anybody remotely associated with Dawg Nation is up for discussion???
You input is neither wanted or needed and isn’t about time for you to be reporting for the afternoon shift at Krystal Burgers???
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
2:02 pm
GT Bob….what were the averages of those 4 games? If you need help I’ll be glad to figure that out for you!!!!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
April 25th, 2012
2:02 pm
IF 35:55minute MURRAY is in the Heisman race after the 7th game I think UGa is in trouble. If he is Passing that much against BAD teams then the Running game isn’t being used enough. IF the running game isn’t being used enough, then UGa will not win the SEC because they will not control the CLOCK enough.
09/01/12 vs. Buffalo Run the ball Burn the clock
09/08/12 at Missouri Run the ball Burn the clock
09/15/12 vs. Florida Atlantic Run the ball Burn the clock
09/22/12 vs. Vanderbilt Run the ball Burn the clock
09/29/12 vs. Tennessee Run the ball Burn the clock
10/06/12 at South Carolina Run the ball Burn the clock
10/20/12 at Kentucky Run the ball Burn the clock
Of course Just My Opinion.
Delusional techies
April 25th, 2012
2:04 pm
Goldenrod, Vad lee is a 3 star Hs qb that has never taken a college snap, who can’t beat out Tevin “1aa on a good day” Washington and comparing him to a 2nd team All sec Qb that threw for 35 tds and over 3000 yards in a season. What a tool
Newman
April 25th, 2012
2:06 pm
As a QB he’s a pretty good porn star.
Brainiac
April 25th, 2012
2:09 pm
@ Mike Bobo 17:
When are you going to get around to telling us that The Little Weasel Saban has hired the girlfriend of the No.2 ranked college prospect???
Just a Bobby Petrino without the Motorcycle!!!
Damn what a mess in the SEC West.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AltamahaDawg
April 25th, 2012
2:10 pm
The only game I recall being surprised at not seeing a back up QB in the game was the very late in the AU game. I’m sure it was considered, but who knows what the conversation was.
My theory is that we were running the ball so well, really clicking, first the first time in maybe 2 years, they just kept Murray in the game to work on that with everybody. It’s not like Mason was going to come in and get anything but hand it off.
7576DAWG
April 25th, 2012
2:12 pm
I think I read on this blog last year that Murray gained 1000 yards his senior year of high school. If that is true then he had to learn how to be effective as a college Quarterback without his main weapon , which is running the ball. He would have broken all the records if he had played division 2 football where the linebackers and defensive ends aren’t so big which would have allowed him to run the ball every time he got into trouble. Last year when our running backs became a none factor Bobo let Murray run a lot more only to see him get hit by an SEC truck ( linebacker ) so hard he fumbled so the running experiment with Murray was a failure and we had to rely on his passing ability which needed a lot of improvement. A lot of Murray’s failures can be put directly on Bobo because he recruited a scrambler and is making him a pocket passer only. If a coach does that then you better have a great group of running backs to give you the balanced offense you need to open up the passing game, which we did not have against the good teams last year. Bobo and CMR is counting on our running game this year to bring the balanced attach that you need to succeed in the SEC. All Murray has to do is to be the effective leader that Quarterback’s like Greene was . Clean hand offs, complete your passes because it will open up the passing game and don’t make mistakes, no fumbles and throw the ball into the stands if nobody is open. BE PATIENT.
fishook dawg
April 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
I think that the reason most national media people like Murray, is because they seldom ever see him play a whole game and strictly go on stats. I watch every game and you can take it to the bank that Murray will turn the ball over at least once in every game. I don’t care if he throws for 3-4 TD’s a game if we lose because of his turnovers. My biggest thing with Murray is it doesn’t matter what he does in a game or practice, he’s still going to start and play the whole game. Every other player on the team that screws up gets benched during games and sometimes the next game. Why not Murray? Every player on the team ought to be held to the same standard. Earn your starting job like everyone else each week.
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
2:16 pm
GTBob,
The TD to interception ratio was 2:1 vs Florida in 2011 (UGa win) and 1:1 (3 interceptions) in 2010 when UGa lost…..did you conveniently forget that stat meathead?!?!
Also, the best I remember, UGa stomped the snot out of GT in 2011 so that accounts for the lower yardage since Murray was forced to go more conservative. If you attended the game you know that in 2011 Murray could throw at Will………he also threw to Matt, Bob, Larry, etc.!!!!!
Good try on your stat logic, but you get an “F”
Delusional techies
April 25th, 2012
2:16 pm
@Mike bobo 17, Which team has vacated 21 wins , been banned from post season play 3 times , is still on Ncaa probation, has won less sec titles over the past 11 years, trails Georgia 3-1 over the past decade its Bama, Your lack of class embarrasses the Tide nation.Act like you’ve been there before.Or perhaps you’re a Nat living vicariously through Bama.Also losing record vs Auburn and Lsu and 3-3 vs South Carolina since 2001. Care to Explain how Bama was #1 ranked preseason team in 2010 and finished 4th in the west?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
Alta Dawg……….Hutson in a BIGTIME game and just handing the ball off would be OK cause it gets him in the GAME for the EDUCATION.
GTBob
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
GT Bob….what were the averages of those 4 games? If you need help I’ll be glad to figure that out for you!!!!
Nah, trust me, im better at math then you. So he did worse overall and did worse against the SEC so now you want to cherry pick 4 specific games and take an average in an attempt to show improvement? Talk about a reach. You might as well just say he did better against Auburn therefore he was a better QB.
GTBob
April 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
The TD to interception ratio was 2:1 vs Florida in 2011 (UGa win) and 1:1 (3 interceptions) in 2010 when UGa lost…..did you conveniently forget that stat meathead?!?!
I did mention that. Unfortunately I dont think that one stat overrides every other stat which was significantly worse. Murray was pretty awful against Florida this year.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
April 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
I love Richt he keep get doing less with more every year.
Richt’s first 4 years 42-10= 80.8%
…………next 4 years 40-12= 76.9%
…………last 3 years 24-16= 60.0%
the Great MURRAY played 2 of the last 3 years and now has to win 14 games to keep RICHT’s 10 wins per season average going. AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN.
Dooley had to be UGa’s Smartest coach.
Run Herschel left
Run Herschel right
Run Herschel up the middle
White boy Kick.
Run Herschel left
Run Herschel right
Let White boy try a pass
White boy Kick.
I think those were all the plays Dooley knew how to call.
Maybe BOBO needs to go talk to DOOLEY.
Boulder Molder
April 25th, 2012
2:28 pm
42-10 with Donnan’s recruits..
Neutral
April 25th, 2012
2:28 pm
GT Bob…..I wrote a textbook used a lot at GT. We may be equal, but trust me, you aren’t better.
AltamahaDawg
April 25th, 2012
2:29 pm
No I get it. I felt bad for him not getting in the AU. On the other hand I felt GREAT watching Murray running that offense that was blowing away AU late in the game. As I said…..I am sure it was considered. I’m sure there was a reason. I just offered my opinion. Not sure why they didn’t, but I don’t think the concept of “experience” is exactly foreign to the coaches. And I think they have been very fair and try to encourage Mason. He’s just not better than Murray right now.
A few numbers...
April 25th, 2012
2:31 pm
The 2011-2012 season in the Big 3 sports:
Football – UGA 1, GT 0
Basketball – GT 1, UGA 0
Baseball – GT 1, UGA 1
It’s a dead heat. Tech’s student-athletes are tied with UGA’s stooges and drunks!
GTBob
April 25th, 2012
2:32 pm
GT Bob…..I wrote a textbook used a lot at GT. We may be equal, but trust me, you aren’t better.
Yeah, right. What is the name of that text book and what class was it used for?
Boulder Molder
April 25th, 2012
2:34 pm
Neutral I can’t imagine any of your writings being utilized in a text book.
Mobile Dawg
April 25th, 2012
2:35 pm
Alt, you obviously have a better recollection of factual, statistical info than I do, and I wouldn’t argue “facts” with you very often. Just seems from recollection that there were opportunities when the game was won where Murray could have easily been subbed for and wasn’t.
DawginLex
April 25th, 2012
2:35 pm
GTBob
Why would he answer your question which would obviously give you the name of the book where you could look up the author and stalk him?
Boulder Molder
April 25th, 2012
2:37 pm
Mobile, there WERE plenty of times Murray should have sat..alot of these posters want him in the game because they enjoy watching him prance around on the field.
Bama=home of the T-bag special
April 25th, 2012
2:37 pm
@A few numbers… so your telling us your “student athletes” are just as good as stooges and drunks..you must be so proud…by the way your 1-10 where it counts in the last 11….