If that was Murray’s farewell game for the Dawgs, he goes out in style
Aaron Murray hoists the MVP award at the Capital One Bowl. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
If Aaron Murray does decide to leave early for the NFL, his performance in Tuesday’s Capital One Bowl seems to perfectly encapsulate his career at Georgia.
There was the shaky start that saw him throw a couple of interceptions, one resulting in a Nebraska touchdown, and then a record-setting day passing in which the Georgia junior quarterback threw five touchdown passes (and what should have been a sixth) in leading the Bulldogs to a come-from-behind victory.
And all of that against the nation’s top-rated pass defense!
Particularly impressive in his Capital One MVP performance was the 24-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter where Murray, scrambling to his right, managed to find back Keith Marshall down near the corner of the end zone and delivered a superb pass that Marshall did a great job of snatching out of the air. With the PAT, that put Georgia ahead 38-31 on a day that saw the lead change hands four times.
I’d said in my bowl game preview that if the Dogs and Cornhuskers got into a shootout, I thought the advantage would be Georgia’s, and that was based on my confidence in the big-play capability of Murray and Mike Bobo’s explosive offense.
In the end, they lived up to expectations in notching a 12th Bulldog win for only the third time in the school’s football history.
But plenty of others besides Murray deserve credit for Georgia’s hard-fought win over the Cornhuskers.
It took a while for the Dogs to get their run game going, aside from early success with the “Wild Dawg” formation, but ultimately Todd Gurley notched his ninth 100-plus yard game of the season.
Chris Conley scores on an 87-yard pass play against Nebraska. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
The depth of Georgia’s receiving corps stepped up yet again after Malcolm Mitchell had to leave the game in the first quarter with a concussion. Chris Conley caught a remarkable two passes for 136 yards — both touchdowns — and Tavarres King made three catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. (TK should have had another but couldn’t hang on to well-thrown ball in the end zone late in the game.)
And then there was the beleaguered Georgia defense, which was shorthanded without starting nose guard John Jenkins and started out the game exhibiting the same trouble defending the run that we saw against Alabama. While dual-threat quarterback Taylor Martinez was held in check most of the day, Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead at times looked unstoppable in the first half.
I’ll be honest: I was mighty concerned when Nebraska opened the second half with a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive that lasted 5:18 to take a 31-23 lead. Toward the end of that drive, the Georgia defenders already were starting to look a bit tired on a warmer-than-expected day in Orlando.
But with Jarvis Jones (who surpassed David Pollack’s single-season sack record in the game) and Alec Ogletree stepping up the pressure on Martinez and Damian Swann snagging the second of a pair of interceptions, Todd Grantham’s defense shut out the Nebraska offense for the final 25 minutes of the game in as gritty a performance as I’ve seen from a Dawgs defense in quite a while.
Most of that defense is not expected back next season, so that second-half turnaround may be something we’ll have to savor for a while.
However, the bulk of the offense that managed to keep Georgia in this game when things weren’t going so well defensively will be back next fall.
I’m definitely among those fans who hope Murray will be among them.
Feel free to share your own views of Georgia’s New Year’s Day bowl win.
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129 comments Add your comment
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
January 1st, 2013
9:03 pm
Be patient; be patient for what
If championships are what we are being patient on then you might as well give up cause thats not happening
2 or more loss seasons every year is all we are ever going to get with the coaching staff that we have
Thats just facts and the sooner all the Pre Season National Title kool-aid drinkers realize that then maybe we can have legitimate football discussion on here
SenDog
January 1st, 2013
9:40 pm
Eric Murray had a good 4th quarter and the rest of the game he was just…Eric Murray. The team won, despite Eric Murray commiting hopefully his LAST, multiple turnover Bowl game. Murray got 3 turnovers vs. UCF, 3 more vs. Mich St, and 2 more vs. Nebraska. Murray’s a one man wrecking ball, but the defense shut Nebraska down in the 2nd half, and Gurley, Swann, Ogletree, and Jarvis bailed the team out. I would have preferred to see Gurley score 5 td’s, than Murray, move the ball, rest the defense, they get really tired with Murray’s pass first offense, but somehow it worked out. Nebraska’s offense seem to just get tired in the 2nd half, lucky for Georgia.
DawgVoiceofReason
January 1st, 2013
10:24 pm
Some people will never be satisfied. Also the sheer lack of knowledge and understanding is tough for them to overcome, as shown by the critical comments about Aaron Murray. It is best to just ignore their incoherent ramblings.
DawgVoiceofReason
January 1st, 2013
10:30 pm
What is so bad about “Kool-aid”? Do you prefer Gatorade?
Dubious
January 1st, 2013
11:46 pm
Thoughts on how the Dawgs’ first four games will go next season? Could easily have 2, if not 3 , losses before Sept is over. Many tough games thereafter too. Schedule has been favorable the last 2 years but not in 2013.
Big boys up front
January 1st, 2013
11:49 pm
Great article in USA today on Monday about Bama’s O line. You want to dominate games? Dominate the line of scrimmage…both sides. We need to sign 3-5 O linemen and 3-5 D linemen every year. athat gives you a dozen or so to sign D backs, receivers, backs every year, plus the years when you sign more to make up for the ones that go pro.
JD Clowney
January 1st, 2013
11:57 pm
I hope Murray comes back!
The REAL Phil
January 2nd, 2013
12:04 am
you know what is sad?…………………look at the Husker blogs and there are no morons saying anything bad about their team and they lost. Can’t wait to get the same guys back next year, miss the ones who are gone. No Tech, AL, or FL morons on their blog telling them that they suck. No Snoops, no Moists, no GT Bobs, no SS Gators, no nothing but people who support their school and their kids. so many classless morons here. Snoop Dog breathes air that decent people could be breathing. The space he takes up on the planet is wasted.
As to some of the comments on the first page about being ready for Murray to be gone and it’s time for Hutson to have his turn………. Really? Why would you want a QB who isn’t as good as the one you have already? Does that make any sense to you at all??? First SEC QB to pass for over 3,000 yards a year three times. Nobody named Manning ever did it. That’s not to compare Murray to Manning as a pro. But there’s no way to say that either Manning was a better college QB than Murray. So why would you want someone who isn’t as good???? I think we are going to have to score early and often next year and you better have all the weapons you can.
LDawg
January 2nd, 2013
12:19 am
I love Murray, but if he stays, we will have 5 QBs, him, Mason, Welch, LeMay and that kid from Camden Co – Brice Ramsey. Do we really need that many?
pfffft
January 2nd, 2013
12:34 am
Murray reminds me of Tony romo. Great physical skills, good heart, tough enough to take a hit, but poor decision making. It always comes back to haunt him in big games. He should go pro now though. Weak QB class and he had a good last 2 games. UGA will be fine without him. You don’t need a hiesman QB with that running game. Oh yeah, get a coach who instills a little discipline. How good would the dawgs be if half the team wasn’t suspended each year, or if they didn’t lead the league in penalties? They self inflict more damage than any opponent has in years.
Lonnie
January 2nd, 2013
12:51 am
Here is my issue with guys like sen dog. When we do something good it is because the other team messed up and when we do something bad it is because the other team is better! That is pitiful. Aaron Murray just threw for 427 yds and 5 TD’s. You all have praised Bama for getting 350 yds on ground. Give the guy some credit!!!!
UGA89
January 2nd, 2013
2:01 am
The REAL Phil… I don’t know what Nebraska blog you were on but the one I was on today Nebraska fans were criticizing EVERYTHING about their team. In fact, everything negative they were saying about their team is the same complaints that UGA fans have about our team. It was weird. If I didn’t know better I’d have thought I was on a UGA blog. They didn’t even give their team a chance. They also kept referring to us as an “elite” team.
Silver Fox
January 2nd, 2013
5:05 am
There are UGA blogs that are generally positive then there are the AJC blogs where trash talkers congragate. It’s a sad commentary on society where garbage can sit around in there skivvies, hiding behind the anomity of their computer and spout their nonsense. Sad but a fact of modern life.
To call most of you jerks Rednecks would be an insult to good ole boys everywhere.
Destin Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
5:53 am
too many penalties…. WAY too many penalties on defense… late hits… face masks…. that’s where our coaching was weak…. Grantham are you listening ??? Bo Bo’s offense was good… next year should be great !!!! we do need MORE linemen !!!
RalphieP
January 2nd, 2013
6:52 am
Leave early? He has his BA and is working on angraduate degree. That is leaving LATE!
ed f
January 2nd, 2013
7:08 am
Like it or not that’s how the 2012 season ends. I think we needed to be at least that good and it’s a shame we were just short of the whole ball of wax. Well I’m going to enjoy it. 2013 has an ugly start.
Clemson, South Carolina, and week 4 LSU. Will the fans forget the 3rd only 12 Win season and go back to calling for a change. Time will Tell!!!!!!!!!
Whiskey Breath
January 2nd, 2013
7:45 am
You guys aren’t going to start the NC declaration this early are you?
Whiskey Breath
January 2nd, 2013
7:51 am
Snoop Dog rocks. He has his priorities right.
By the way, Ga is losing too many defensive players.
Alabama would not skip a beat, but Ga will.
FallDawg
January 2nd, 2013
8:01 am
I thought it was going to be a typical dawgs bowl game where the offense came out and produced three and outs, turnovers or scored so fast that the defense didn’t get a chance to rest. It was a little bit
of everything. Complain about the D all you want but they came out the second half and took care of business.
RNB
January 2nd, 2013
8:15 am
Georgia will take a step backwards next year due to the tougher schedule and attrition. Still not conviced Mark Richt can ever get Georgia over the hump to win a NC. I am one of those who say we need to make a change to get there.
barneyfife
January 2nd, 2013
8:19 am
Even as a UGA graduate, I must agree with Snoop Dawg. I’ve said it a million times; Mark Richt is NOT a great coach! Great man, yes. But not a great head coach. His blind loyalty to his buddies he’s put in staff positions, hsi abismal clock management, and lack of killer instinct will continue to plague him and prevent him from ever attaining greatness.
Sure, his overall record is good and by all accounts, a “nice guy”, LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE AT THE REAL NUMBERS! Particularly at those vs. ranked opponents. Mediocrity will continue to reign supreme in Athens. They are laughing all the way to the bank.
sonny
January 2nd, 2013
8:48 am
I just don’t quite get it with Georgia’s defense. When looking at the individual talent there why can they not stop the run and how do they get so discombobulated? Can you reflect to the past, for a moment, and imagine what this defense would have been under the great Erk Russell!! Nothing shy of AWESOME!!!!
Peecee
January 2nd, 2013
8:57 am
Darn it! I’m on a thirty-day 50th. Anniversary and if my wife ever knew I’d have rather been at that game it would be my LAST anniversary. Anyway, from Montevideo, Uruguay, GO DAWGS and I’m hoping Aaron M will be back next year. One final thought: GA should forego a title game so that they could have finished 11-1 and been able to play in the BCS bowl series. Look at who played in those four games and tell me the Dawgs didn’t deserve a BCS Bowl game!
From the open seas…GO DAWGS again!
Joey
January 2nd, 2013
9:09 am
Peecee, if we hadn’t lost to SC, we woulda been in a BCS Bowl, even with a loss to Bama.
Nobody’s fault but Richt and Co.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
9:10 am
2013 is off to a great start for the trolls I see.
Minnesota Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
9:11 am
Considering Georgia was off for practically a month. It’s like playing a new season in bowl games! They found a way to win which is a characteristic of a good team. Georgia will be a top 5 team when the polls come out.
Minnesota Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
9:15 am
Joey, some people are never pleased!!
SC Dog fan
January 2nd, 2013
9:33 am
Thanks for a great season Georgia Bulldogs. It would be great if AM stayed, but staying the senior year hasen’t worked out well for quarterbacks recently: Sam Bradford, Mat Barkley, etc.
Joey
January 2nd, 2013
9:56 am
Great game-planning by Bobo/Richt.
Great halftime adjustments by the DC.
Fabulous game by Aaron Murray, ‘Tree, Conley, and others.
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
11:08 am
D played awful for 2 1/2 quarters but when we NEEDED stops they came through. Murray started bad but when we NEEDED points he put em up. Both very fitting for the way they played all season. If Murray returns we have a shot at 10-2 next year but without him we have a strict ceiling of 9-3. Loved seeing Conley get 2 long TDs to go out well after the Bama debacle that I still refuse to malign him for.
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
11:09 am
Hopefully JSW gets his head by next year because it is clear he has big-time potential.
Dawg Fud
January 2nd, 2013
11:41 am
Warmer than expected in Orlando? Wow.
How hot do we think it is going to be in Clemson on August 31?
A helluva lot warmer with an offense that runs nearly as many plays as Oregon.
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
11:45 am
@Dawg Fud
That’s exactly why we need Murray to have a prayer in DV. A Defense that will be replacing 13 players who started at least 1 game going into DV against a top-10 possibly top-5 offense in America in the season opener. That’s baptism by fire to the extreme.
A person SMART enough to know.....
January 2nd, 2013
11:47 am
Same STYLE as always……Ok not great and still throwing PICK-6’s…………Who ever said Heisman is a fool. Murray has NO SHOT at the Heisman ever.
Old Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
11:47 am
I enjoyed the game. The offense recovered from the early interceptions and the defense made good adjustments in the second half.
Murray’s passing won the game and Gurley’s power running was impressive.
All you haters need to get a life. 12-win season and a ton of talent returning. What’s not to like?
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
12:11 pm
Haters gonna hate but Murray’s still Great
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
12:14 pm
If you people really hate Murray so much, we can bring back Joe Cox or Joe Tereshinski any time you want… your call
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
12:19 pm
Congratulation to Coach Richt. Just tied UGA all time record for bowl game victories. 8 in only 12 years.
A person SMART enough to know.....
January 2nd, 2013
12:24 pm
What does that make Murray 4-10 against top 25 teams? That has Heisman Trophy and NFL caliber QB written all over it.
Thank God for Reggie Ball
January 2nd, 2013
1:01 pm
If RGIII can win a Heisman and be a NFL caliber QB with only 1 win over a top 15 team in his Heisman season then I think Murray is more than capable.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:08 pm
Would be interesting to SEE what the W/L record of current NFL Qbs was in thier college days VS top 25, top 10.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:15 pm
Why don’t you fellows that love to compile such, get that for us? That seems right in your wheelhouse.
JA
January 2nd, 2013
1:25 pm
Murray finished out this year ranked #41 in passing effiency against ranked teams, and #81 in accuracy against ranked teams.
Murray has a 2-11 record against teams that finished in the top 25.
Murray has an 0-2 record in SEC Championships.
Murray has 8 turnovers in 3 Bowl games and a 1-2 Bowl game record.
Yes, he’s going out in style.
Marshdog
January 2nd, 2013
1:32 pm
SNOOP DOG,
Take your sarcasm and lack of appreciation for a great team elsewhere…. maybe Ga Tech? You are an embarrassment to Georgia football fans everywhere.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:34 pm
As opposed to be 0-0 in SEC Championships without him.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:41 pm
TGfRB…..Hudson Mason is Joe Cox. But I never thought Joe Cox was a bad QB at all. So to me that’s not to be feared.
If Joe Cox had Gurshall behind him, 2009 would have turned out much differently.
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:42 pm
Sorry, HuTson.
BullDogMike
January 2nd, 2013
2:31 pm
I enjoyed being at the game yesterday in the nice warm sun. But having said that, if I have to see Murray throw one more pick six that gets walked in for a touchdown, my head will explode ! Sorry Bill, but I have seen enough of AM. Can we move on please ?
AltamahaDawg
January 2nd, 2013
2:43 pm
Yea, all both of them he has thrown in his carreer.
bill arp
January 2nd, 2013
3:27 pm
The problem with Murray coming back, other than the obvoius(injury), is when he struggles a little bit against Clemson, SC or LSU, and Richt puts Mason in for a series to two(which he will next year) and he drives us down the field for a couple of scores, there’s going to be the ole ‘QB controversy’.
And that will hurt his draft status. I think Murray knows this, and will leave.
Good luck to him. He’s been a pretty good QB for us. Time to turn the page.