3 points about the Georgia Bulldogs, who only won by 45
QB Aaron Murray scans the field and probably likes what he sees. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
1. Aaron Murray is having himself a year. He ranks eighth in the nation in passing efficiency, having thrown 10 touchdown passes against two interceptions, and against Vanderbilt he completed his first 12 attempts. And that’s just the statistical side of it. Said Georgia coach Mark Richt: “Aaron just prepares like no one we’ve ever had. All our [quarterbacks, the list of which includes luminaries David Greene, D.J. Shockley and Matthew Stafford] were pretty good at it, but he takes it to another level … You hope [a quarterback] can get you out of a bad situation [at the line of scrimmage] and into a good one, but he’s getting where he can turn a good situation into a great one.”
2. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Georgia offense has become something to behold. The Bulldogs are 13th nationally in total yards, ninth in points. Against Vandy they drove for seven touchdowns, not one of them off a turnover. The shortest of those seven scoring drives was 47 yards. (The others spanned 88, 57, 96, 63, 61 and 71 yards.) Nine different Bulldogs caught passes. One freshman tailback (Todd Gurley) rushed for 130 yards, and the other (Keith Marshall) broke a 52-yard touchdown. And offensive coordinator Mike Bobo brewed a potent blend of power and finesse — 47 rushes for 302 yards, 26 passes for 265.
3. Oh, almost forgot. Georgia plays some defense, too. “Anytime you can hold a team to no touchdowns, that’s a big statement in this league,” said defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, relishing the damage his men inflicted on James Franklin’s team. (”We had a group hug,” said Grantham, speaking of last year’s postgame debate adversary. And yes, Grantham was kidding. Franklin and Grantham only shook hands Saturday night.) Then Grantham offered this cheery (for Georgia, if not its opponents) note: “As we move forward, we can get better.” Indeed, Alec Ogletree and Bacarri Rambo, neither of whom has played a down this season, figure to come off suspension against Tennessee on Saturday
By Mark Bradley
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127 comments Add your comment
CHDawg
September 23rd, 2012
5:03 pm
Three points to consider: (1) – We haven’t yet seen our defense on the field this year. We were missing two All Americans for the first four games, three for the FAU game, and a number of other players. This week is projected to be their first test together. (2) – The same group was a top rated defense last year, but we are missing a great corner in Boykin. However, great teams, armies, etc., are often affected by the absence of key members, so we could see marked improvement on D. (3) – The offense still has a lot of unknowns. The line is pretty young and inexperienced, as are the TBs. Sometimes youth can create problems, and sometimes they improve mid-season a lot quicker than veterans. One thing is sure, offensive production is very high (13th) and it appears to be quickening. The next few weeks will tell us a lot, but I’m hoping the defense will stiffen. My own view is that our O line will be a key determinate in how far we go this year. They have protected Murray the last two weeks, and we have averaged over 600 yards in offensive production. Go Dawgs!
CHDawg
September 23rd, 2012
5:06 pm
determinant
Deano
September 23rd, 2012
5:11 pm
GT Bob, you really need to get out there and start dating, big guy. Get out of that bean bag chair, throw on some pants, get out of that gloomy basement, and tell you’re parents you need a ride to the mall buddy!! These blogs will be waiting for you when you get back pal.
Glory Between the Hedges
September 23rd, 2012
5:17 pm
bob, Vandy may not be a great team but South Carolina sure struggled with them and could of easily lost to them.
Glory Between the Hedges
September 23rd, 2012
5:23 pm
Its funny how there are not as many pages when Georgia is winning. People only say things when things go wrong. Wow must of been a lot of trolls.
Pierce Dawg
September 23rd, 2012
5:39 pm
GTBob we have figured GEORGIA TECH out too!!! Get ready for another beat down in november. It will be ugly.
Pierce Dawg
September 23rd, 2012
5:43 pm
GTBob lost to miami,tech is weak in a weak league!!! VANDY WOULD HANDLE TECH NO DOUBT. Tech might as well give up football.
Really?
September 23rd, 2012
5:44 pm
Wow there are still some trolls that are so pathetic they show up even after Georgia dominated every aspect of this game. I see there are a few of the pretend Georgia fans who for some strange reason never have anything positive to post about “their” team. I pity them.
I honestly believe that as good as Georgia looked last night, they will get better each week. Is it possible that we will be adding 2 All Americans to this defense next week? I wonder if the return of the guy who led the ncaa in interceptions last year will effect opponents ability to pass on the Dawgs? What about Tree? If teams double Jarvis Tree will be freeeeeee. Did I mention how amazzzzzing those freshman backs are?
It’s so good to be a Georgia Bulldawg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wallydawg13
September 23rd, 2012
5:49 pm
Folks, I’m really okay with what I THINK GTBob is always saying… He never says Tech is better than UGA. Quite the opposite, actually. He just keeps saying that UGA really hasn’t shown that we are a legitimate top 5 team. And I agree. I think we played great against Vandy and Vandy is a solid SEC football team… but it’s WAY too early to think we belong with Bama, LSU and FSU. Could we? Sure, we have talent, but we haven’t shown it just yet. The prospect is exciting, but it’s still just wishful thinking at this point. GTBob may be a little on the “glass is half empty” side (what do you expect from a Tech fan?), but he’s right. We haven’t beaten a REALLY good football team in a long time. But hey, I’m excited too. Things are looking better. But these next two weeks are HUGE for us. Go Dogs!
Really?
September 23rd, 2012
5:55 pm
Where are all the Georgia “fans” who for some strange reason never have anything positive to say about “their” team? That idiot jimbob jenkins is a perfect recent example of that type of pathetic troll.
As awesome as Georgia looked last night they will only get better. Is it possible that a D that looked so dominant will be adding 2 All Americans?
Stinger 2
September 23rd, 2012
6:04 pm
GT Fan but I am not a troll since I also like UGA. I see UGA to win 11 regular season games, beat USC for SEC East and lose SEC Championsip Game to Alabama. The should win their bowl game to finish 13-2. GT hopefully can finish regular season at 8-4 losing only to Clemson and UGA. Maybe the will finally win a bowl game to go 9-4.
The hope for GT is that they do something to improve the defense immediately if that is possible. If they don`t 6-6 is not out of the question.
SKB
September 23rd, 2012
6:04 pm
Not impressed.. Mutts are going to get blown out by Bama or LSU.. They only do good vs bad teams. Remember:
GT 45- UGA 42.. 2008
The world hasn’t forgotten that, GT will put UGA back in its place.
Malcolm Mackey, Jr.
September 23rd, 2012
6:04 pm
The key is Gurley – with the young, developing OL we are not going to blow guys off the line or even get the space they did last night, but Gurley falls forward and gets positive yards after contact……if he does not take it all the way he is still moving forward….the OL and running game were the questions coming into the season…..it is early and the competition has not been stiff, but it is very encouraging….the schedule makes it a possible dream season…..survive TN, beat Spurrier…
Stinger 2
September 23rd, 2012
6:05 pm
Typo on UGA prediction. Should be 12-2.
GTBob
September 23rd, 2012
6:12 pm
GT UGA 45-42.. Never Forget
Really?
September 23rd, 2012
6:13 pm
It’s so good to be a Georgia Bulldawg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Photographs and Memories
September 23rd, 2012
6:20 pm
All Dawgs know this, but with their weak minds, they tend to forget, so here’s a reminder:
Georgia Tech is a very highly ranked academic school that has a football team. Its alumni and fans have real lives and careers that don’t depend on the football team for their happiness.
Georgia, on the other hand, is basically a sell-your-soul-to-the-devil football f-a-c-t-o-r-y that also gives diplomas – worthless as they are. They have scumbag coaches like Mark Richt who have no scruples or ethics, who recruit morons who barely got through high school, and collect huge paychecks, but still can’t win big games.
Now, can you remember all that?
outkasted
September 23rd, 2012
6:24 pm
Enter your comments here
outkasted
September 23rd, 2012
6:26 pm
Gt bob what’s south Carolina or Alabama’s signature win so far?
SKB
September 23rd, 2012
6:27 pm
@Photographs and Memories
I agree.. but here is another reminder:
GT 45- UGA 42.. 2008
NEVER FORGET
Deep South
September 23rd, 2012
6:36 pm
Legit ?. Mark, Which QB projects highest draft pick, Murray or UNC’s Renner?
guy
September 23rd, 2012
6:49 pm
GTbob
UGA may have not played the best teams yet,which I agree,but look at your team.Sweep around your own back door!
UGA Class of '89
September 23rd, 2012
6:51 pm
@Photographs and Memories – I’m a UGA grad class of 1989. I work for Siemens and make 165K/year. I’m very proud of my football F-A-C-T-O-R-Y. Please remember there are 25K+ students but only 85 Football players. So shove it up your…
guy
September 23rd, 2012
7:02 pm
Photographs and Memories-You have to be a full blown leftists liberal who no doubt supports obama.If you won’t admit it,I understand.
beanster
September 23rd, 2012
7:13 pm
@SKB — As has been posted here before, how could we forget? You goobers had rings made. That is absolutely classic. I’ll be telling me Grandkids that one.
Thomas Lee
September 23rd, 2012
7:17 pm
Gtbob. You are a class A jerk.
billydawg
September 23rd, 2012
7:25 pm
GT Bob….slide rule has gone astray.
Russo
September 23rd, 2012
7:28 pm
How’s the coaching search going, GT Bob?
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
September 23rd, 2012
7:37 pm
I hope the Dawgs make it to Atlanta to face Bama. Nick and Kirby have a surprise for the swiming pool party crew. After last nights AU vs LSU game it’s easy to understand why Mettenwacker never started at UGA for he’s a joke. Miles is trying to talk his team into some swagger after the 21-zip beatdown but that will not help in come Nov. LSU would be better with the Marine Killer Jefferson at the controls. AU dared the LSU to pass with 8 men in the box and LSU couldn’t get it done. UGA will be AU by 40 again and so will Bama. You Dawgs better get ready for them Gators for Willie Boy has them playing tuff football. That should be a great game. Rambo will be back for his normal 15 yard penalty per game for hot dogging as ususal so that will cost you at the wrong time. Roll Tide. We’re just practicing in T-twon and we just about have the 2nd team up to speed. Thank you guys for all these very good Georgieeee football players. Kenyan Drake is a Hoss not doubt his good play will cost Bama one if not two of these good running backs that have committed already. Hey…you can’t get them all…right.
Mattie Ice
September 23rd, 2012
7:38 pm
this defense is ferocious. It’s scary to think what it can be with Rambo and Ogletree added
Mattie Ice
September 23rd, 2012
7:40 pm
tech has ONE legal win vs UGA since 1990! ONE! NEVER FORGET!
LakeDawg
September 23rd, 2012
7:43 pm
Still early, but I like the way this season is coming together. Actually, the suspensions might have been a blessing in disguise. We’ve built some depth and the returning players come back motivated. It takes time to blend everyone into a cohesive whole, so UGA isn’t peaking too early. Just staying focused on themselves and improving every week. Should hit our peak during the money games. Go Dawgs!
SatillaDawg
September 23rd, 2012
7:47 pm
Great start Dawgs, especially the Vandy rout!
Russ Rules!
Orange is not a color. It’s an obscenity.
Go Dawgs!
DP
September 23rd, 2012
7:50 pm
How many UGA beat writers does the AJC have? I count at least 3, Chip Towers, Bill King and Mark Bradley.
Herschel Walker, the Goal Line Stalker
September 23rd, 2012
7:50 pm
How ’bout that Gurley!
Italian_29
September 23rd, 2012
7:51 pm
Well GTBoob, at least you will admit what we all knew anyway, that UGA blogs were your life. I have to agree with an earlier poster, that said you need a girlfriend, something to calm your obsession with all things GA. I also noticed that the Tech blog is on fire with the, can CPJ and CAG talk. I still remember a few years ago when you Tech fans were saying that the CAG hire would work out better for Tech than the CTG hire would work out for us. HAHAHAHAHA, I guess that turned out just like the, “you guys will NEVER beat Tech while CPJ is here” predictions did.
Habersham Dawg
September 23rd, 2012
7:52 pm
The South Carolina game is going to be the real test of strength for the Dawgs. If Bobo can put as many points on them as last year, then I think we have a legitimate chance at playing for and even winning the SECC.
GT Bob, thank you for your candid and honest comments. It never really hurts to encounter a different opinion.
Tampa Gator
September 23rd, 2012
8:01 pm
I see that people are comparing how one team did against a common opponent. (SC vs. Vandy and Georgia vs. Vandy)……nothing is bigger folly in college football. Think La-Monroe could beat LSU. No way. But Auburn almost beat LSU. And when Florida plays LSU in a couple of weeks, how LSU played vs. Auburn will have nothing to do with the outcome of that game. The only impact of LSU playing vs. Auburn was for Oregon to jump them in the pollls. And that does not mean much at this time either.
Tampa Gator
September 23rd, 2012
8:04 pm
I hope Georgia beats South Carolina this year……..if nothing else other than none of us have to read “Fire the entire coaching staff” again……for that game at least.
JB
September 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm
The special year is gonna be had or lost in Columbia and Jacksonville. I feel we have as good if not better team than Carolina or Florida. We have a great defense and a damn good 3rd year QB. And don’t think a QB is important. Ask LSU. They would kill for Murray.
dmr
September 23rd, 2012
8:33 pm
Rankings are meaningless. Accolades are nice, but meaningless. The result of games that are in the past are just that, in the past. Georgia should ignore the good and the bad being written and said. Just take care of business on the field and the rest of it will take care of itself. Anything can happen, so prepare for that. Stanford knocked off the early talk about ALA vs. USC. Auburn put a big scare into LSU. Arkansas is nothing people thought they would be. JUST TAKE CARE OF YOUR BUSINESS AND EVERTHING ELSE WILL BE FINE.
Harold's Volunteers in Georgia
September 23rd, 2012
8:44 pm
Going to be funny when Tennessee wins next week 45-31. Dogs will not be able to slow Bray, he will throw for 400 yards. UT will win in Knoxville next year too. Dogs are way overrated and will lose at least four games. Tennessee run game is coming on. Defense needs work, but UT offense will keep GA offense off the field. Tennessee will lose maybe one more game to Bama.
Dawg Whisperer
September 23rd, 2012
8:55 pm
Please explain to me why anyone is concerned what GTBob thinks about UGA. I can understand the newbies that don’t know his m.o. but it should be apparent to all that he simply wants a reaction from UGA fans.
harold
September 23rd, 2012
9:11 pm
UGA WILL FLAT OUT MURDER A HORRIBLY COACHED TENNESSEE TEAM LIKELY COSTING DOOLEY HIS JOB!
INSTEAD OF GATORADE UGA PLAYERS SHOULD GET “BIRTHDAY CAKE” AND MILLER LITES AS THEY DESTROY A HORRIBLE TENNESSEE TEAM——55-3.
A CAKEWALK.
TELL THE LOCAL HOSPITAL TO BE READY FOR THE VOLUNTEER PLAYERS AS THE BIGGEST CONCERN FOR UT IS————————THE HOSPITAL BILL.
Say What???
September 23rd, 2012
9:19 pm
@ Harold… Yep… You are probably right. Because God knows UGA offense is awful and it’s defense is even worse. So… Will you promise me you will be back here next Sunday so you can rub it in our faces even if UGA pulls the major upset and beats your Vols?
Bernie Matt
September 23rd, 2012
9:25 pm
Run it 47 times and throw it 26 consistently, and even I will say Bobo and CMR haved figured it out.
Bernie Matt
September 23rd, 2012
9:27 pm
By the way Merritt Hall is holding his own at the FB spot!
davidinloganville
September 23rd, 2012
9:40 pm
i was wondering what the gt thug anthony hargrove was doing during his second suspension from the NFL (one for being a dope head, one for being a thug). Now everyone knows he is on the UGA blog posting as gtbob(ing)
BobDawg
September 23rd, 2012
10:26 pm
Must be a full moon tonight. All the crazies are trolling.
daddo
September 23rd, 2012
11:03 pm
Ferocious defense? You people have the 43rd ranked defense in the country playing pancakes. U really are the most delusional fans in college football. WE BEAT VANDY, WE BEAT VANDY. Yall are just embarrassing yourselves.