Aaron Murray stays, which puts Georgia back in the hunt
"Coach, maybe we'll get us one of those nice crystal trophies next year." (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Fort Lauderdale -- The cream of football journalism had gathered for a media party at our hotel overlooking the ocean — the Atlantic, I believe it is — when esteemed former colleague Mark Schlabach, lately of ESPN, rushed over and said, “Aaron Murray’s staying.” And we managed to tear ourselves away from our paella to ponder where this puts the Georgia Bulldogs headed in the 2013 season. (Never mind that the 2012 campaign has one game to go.)
Pretty darn high, we decided. (I know exactly where Mr. Schlabach has the Bulldogs in his not-yet-published Top 25 for 2013, but I’ll let him do those honors.) I’d say Georgia has again become the favorite to win the SEC East, and I’d say — this is just me — this again puts the Bulldogs at/near the top five.
Figure Alabama will be preseason No. 1. Figure Notre Dame will be up there, too, and Texas A&M. (I sat in on a press conference for award winners later this afternoon, and someone asked the Heisman holder Johnny Manziel if he thought the Aggies would be ranked No. 1 in August. He smiled and said, “I feel like we’ve got a lot of tools coming back.”) And Oregon, now assuming Chip Kelly stays, will be good again, and Stanford and Ohio State and Louisville and Clemson, too. Plus the three best teams in the SEC East, which makes a Top 11, does it not?
But I’d told Noah Coslov of CineSport earlier Sunday that I thought the East would be a three-way tussle involving Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, and that the Gamecocks would hold the edge if Murray left for the NFL. But apparently he’s staying, and he’s a very good college quarterback, and you’d have to think Georgia is again the East’s top dog, pun somewhat intended.
I know, I know. The Bulldogs have to replace nearly their entire defense, and that won’t be easy. But all those banner recruiting classes have created depth, and the offense should be among the very best in the land. The schedule is tough early — Georgia opens at Clemson and must play South Carolina and LSU in September — but if the Bulldogs are going to stay relevant they’re going to have to prove they can handle a more taxing regimen.
I’m not going to go so far as to say Georgia punched its ticket to the 2014 BCS title game one night before the 2013 edition is played. (Crazy as I am, I’m not that crazy.) Still, Murray’s announcement should put the Bulldogs back in the ol’ hunt. They were five yards and five points short of being here. Maybe they’ll find those five yards and five points next time.
(For the record, this marks the second time I’ve ducked away from a BCS media party to react to breaking news. The first was in January 2007, and we were in Scottsdale, Ariz., when word circulated that the Falcons had hired Bobby Petrino. I rushed back to the room and proclaimed it a splendid move. I slightly missed that one.)
By Mark Bradley
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222 comments Add your comment
Craigee, aka Champs hero
January 6th, 2013
9:02 pm
First
JD
January 6th, 2013
9:03 pm
First
charlie_400
January 6th, 2013
9:04 pm
Go Dawgs!
Dave from Buford
January 6th, 2013
9:07 pm
This is good news … the Dogs are going to have a really good offense, to say the least.
tech_hater
January 6th, 2013
9:09 pm
Great news! Go Dawgs.
We Run This State!
Mark Bradley
January 6th, 2013
9:09 pm
Kudos, Craigee, aka
Steve
January 6th, 2013
9:12 pm
No South Carolina near the top 10? Thanks Mark. Just extra motivation to beat UGA. Again.
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:13 pm
Aaron Murray: the gift that keeps on giving. And I’m damn glad he’s staying!!
Grantham's The Man!
January 6th, 2013
9:15 pm
Glad Murray will be back. UGA has a great chance to have an elite offense.
If the Defense can rebuild as well as the offense did this year, it may be UGA’s year.
Go Dawgs!!!
7576DAWG
January 6th, 2013
9:18 pm
All we need now is maybe 2 more big lineman good enough to start in 2013 and the Offensive will be the best in the SEC if not the nation.
Now for the Defense? I will let you know after the South Carolina game. Just to say something about the Gamecocks. I predict Clowney will be number 1 in the 2014 draft.
Tampa Dawg
January 6th, 2013
9:18 pm
Outstanding news!! AM should have had six TDs in the Cap One Bowl and continues to get better. Our O will be downright unstoppable next year. If this decision happened to be influenced by some lovely Georgia coeds, thank you ladies! Well played, sir!! See you in the pros next year — maybe here in your home town.
Taco
January 6th, 2013
9:19 pm
He better stay or could get ugly. The defense got shredded versus Alabama and Nebraska and now they lose 9 starters. They will need 50 a game to hold serve.
Huston Mason
January 6th, 2013
9:21 pm
Well this sucks.
Taco
January 6th, 2013
9:21 pm
Please don’t start again with ” this could be the year”. That is so lame and so old. Just shut the ” F “up and watch the games and cheer for the Dawgs.
Snoop Dawg
January 6th, 2013
9:22 pm
Lets not give Bobo a big new contract until we see how he can do without Murray at the controls…
Yeah another letdown for the Dawgs
January 6th, 2013
9:24 pm
Things we know: First the AJC will write about a thousand “Dawgs will win it all” columns, they won’t of course but we will be subjected to it anyway. Second, Murray will fold whenever Ga. plays a team with a dominant Defensive End, like Clowney. Third, Ga. fans spend another off season sure that the next year will be the one.
Hammer
January 6th, 2013
9:24 pm
Clempson and thUGA could not field an SEC-caliber defense if they combined their squads. Take off the red glasses, Mark.
Mark Bradley
January 6th, 2013
9:27 pm
In my haste, I left it unclear that South Carolina would be in my Top 10. I’ve fixed that now.
Paul in NH
January 6th, 2013
9:28 pm
Murray staying is a good move for him and good for UGA. Who knows whether it means a top 5 ranking at the end of 2013. I seem to recall that last year many pundits were writing how Matt Barkley staying in college made USC the favorite for the MNC
drbasic1
January 6th, 2013
9:32 pm
@ another let down
at least there will articles written about the DAWGS, not so much about your pathetic jackets….well maybe in the crimes section….just saying, you know?
Yeah another letdown for the Dawgs
January 6th, 2013
9:34 pm
Sorry, not a Jacket fan. University of South Carolina class of “88″
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:34 pm
Mark, surprised with your normally self deprecating sense of humor you didn’t write ” the cream of football journalism (and me)…..”
I am confident, however, you are legitimately a part of that cream.
Gene
January 6th, 2013
9:35 pm
Murray is a good quarterback and a good person, but Georgia now has to contend with Alabama and Texas A&M.
drbasic1
January 6th, 2013
9:35 pm
Ga class of 81….you are old enough then to at least be respectful…am sorry to see latimore go, he is quite a young man
daddo
January 6th, 2013
9:35 pm
Murray tweeting from home while Alabama plays for the national championship. And it will be the same thing in 2014, Murray will be home and Alabama will be waiting to play. Georgia will be the sixth best team in the SEC next year, and won’t back into the division title like it did the last two years. Stat boy forever who never wins the big one.
GT Insider
January 6th, 2013
9:35 pm
LOL, ok Mark.
Defense wins championships and a bunch of 1st timers getting their first chacne to play against Clem, USCe, and LSU will not bode well for UGA. LSU is losing a lot, but Clemson and USCe will not be so easy.
I just don’t buy winning championships when UGA is losing nearly every piece on one side of the ball…especially when it’s the side of the ball where championships are won.
A boat race offense is a lucky offense only.
Dawglasville
January 6th, 2013
9:36 pm
Great news. Now Grantham needs to earn his keep.
stendek
January 6th, 2013
9:36 pm
Hi Mark. I rarely laugh out loud at columns. I did at this one! Aaron Murray back so UGA back in hunt? Which hunt are you making reference to my dear friend? Not the SEC championship hunt! Not the national championship hunt! Perhaps a quail hunt at some undisclosed location? That I could believe! Name a signature win by your hero. Moral defeats do not count! Since I respect the late Three Stooges I will only say Saint Mark, Mike Dodo and Pick Six. The few true Dawg fans remaining will understand. Sorry. Still banned from Chip Powerless blog!
YoungerThan ThatNow
January 6th, 2013
9:37 pm
Good news MB! I really thought that Murray would stay… most of the others, not so much.
And breaking from a party to report on Petrino coming to the Falcons… I can understand. But, the last part of that (the proclamation) just made me gag a little!
Enjoy south Florida… wish we were there!
OkieDawg
January 6th, 2013
9:37 pm
Thank you AM!!! I hope someday you are the HC @ UGA. You have the smarts and the education with a psychology degree and a Masters in organizational development. Plus an all SEC QB in my opinion. You my friend are a DGD. All SEC records are gonna fall!!!
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:37 pm
When Georgia’s football program hits the inevitable next rough spot, even the critics will wax fondly and longingly about the Murray Years…
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:42 pm
The defense really never lived up to its hype so I don’t think 2013 will be like a physical cliff.
OkieDawg
January 6th, 2013
9:43 pm
And you, my friend, will be digging wax out of you’re ears.
stendek
January 6th, 2013
9:44 pm
Long will I remember the drive which upset Bama on the big stage! What? It did? By a few yards? Just forget the whole thing! I am still trying to.
OkieDawg
January 6th, 2013
9:44 pm
“your”
daddo
January 6th, 2013
9:45 pm
Top 5? U really believe Georgia, with no defense, can beat Alabama, Texas A and M, LSU, South Carolina or Florida? That makes u SIXTH just in the conference.
drbasic1
January 6th, 2013
9:45 pm
Why you people dis so much on Murray? The young man has more class in his anus than most of you show on here. Cutting down another human being regardless is total classless. I am sure any of you could do so much better. Stendek…what is your resume son….couch potato?….arm chair qback?….playstation guru?
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:45 pm
Ok Mark. Lets think about this. You’re at ft lauderdale. That’s boats. Your at a party. That’s booze. Also, that’s broads. The 3 deadly B’s. you’re not in Vegas where everything……..
stendek
January 6th, 2013
9:47 pm
Would anyone remember Joe Namath had the underdog Jets come up a few yards short against the Colts in that Super Bowl? I think not!
I understand that goes over heads of faux Dawg fans. Not those of seniority!
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
9:49 pm
bombers away. now tackle somebody
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:50 pm
@okiedawg. What’s the matter sport? Couldn’t find a job in Georgia?
stendek
January 6th, 2013
9:51 pm
Vandy will win an SEC championship before a UGA team led by Saint Mark Richt and Mike Dodo!
drbasic1
January 6th, 2013
9:51 pm
stendek…I have forgotten more about Broadway Joe than you would ever know about him. Your such a goober
stendek
January 6th, 2013
9:53 pm
The UGA QB – who shall remain nameless – was abysmal against Steve Spurrier and Florida! One was a win by the maligned defense.
Todd grantham
January 6th, 2013
9:58 pm
I wonder what Hutson Mason is thinking at this minute.
Declaring For The 2013 NFL Draft - Page 2 - BuckeyePlanet Ohio State Forums
January 6th, 2013
9:58 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-bl…k-in-the-hunt/ Yes yes yes yes yes!!! Murray coming back for his Senior season! [...]
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
9:59 pm
First game Murray or Mason at Clemson. Thats what I thought. Another 3000 yds in the air and 1500 on the ground will help rebuild the d. I can’t wsit.
cloudodust
January 6th, 2013
10:00 pm
Murray putting in his 4th year is smart. It can only up his net worth at the next level. QB’s like Bray that bail after 3 have a shot but that 4th year is money. Plus, those post-graduate studies may come in helpful. Ask Peyton Manning etc what that 4th year is worth.
drbasic1
January 6th, 2013
10:02 pm
@cloudodust
Very well said!!
stendek
January 6th, 2013
10:04 pm
Best Mark…
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
10:04 pm
Enter your comments here
Big K.
January 6th, 2013
10:18 pm
WalterFootball.com…Aaron Murray is the 9th rated QB Prospect according to this website, if he declared for the Draft….
NO WONDER HE RETURNED!!!!!!
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
10:25 pm
One more year and Murray will have the most impressive stats in SEC history and a doctorate in academics. well done. now,about that championship GO DAWGS
Drago
January 6th, 2013
10:30 pm
Now, how many linemen witl T a&m graduate this year? Methinks Johnny Football will see how the other half lives in 2013
A&M 29 -- Bama 24
January 6th, 2013
10:38 pm
Enter your comments here
evil empire
January 6th, 2013
10:40 pm
BigK…him coming back won’t help any…real schedule next year will expose him…
tom
January 6th, 2013
10:51 pm
hunt what, the Easter eggs? The guy is as soft as his coach.
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
10:51 pm
Hey GT Insider. Ga had 4 tds on 8 plays. You best be quiet Mr pitch out and pray
Team GA
January 6th, 2013
10:55 pm
Probably 8-4 next year with that schedule. Murray will still be a 3rd round pick.
speedy
January 6th, 2013
10:56 pm
feel sorry for mason should transfer
azdawg
January 6th, 2013
10:58 pm
AM coming back is a boon for the offense. They’ll be pretty good barring injuries, etc. Don’t see the enthusiasm for the D just yet. Too many nubies. may be better if they went w/4-3 w/the players returning. Not excited about the new OL hire. He took a demotion from DC to DL coach. MSU wasn’t that good this year w/him as the DC. He may haVE been on his way out. Should have gone for someone w/better credentials and better team. Also, can he recruit??
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:04 pm
On the surface, this sounds good. Of course, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Florida, and South Carolina all have their quarterbacks coming back, too. UGA needs to worry about who is going to fill the shoes left by JJ!!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Louie
January 6th, 2013
11:15 pm
I just wrote a relevant and interesting follow-up post but it disappeared into the abyss when I hit “enter”. The world will now be deprived of my keen insights into whatever it was I wrote about. Gotta hit the rack. Work tomorrow!
Say What?
January 6th, 2013
11:16 pm
2 Thoughts:
Hutson Mason just ransacked his own room. Better yet..here is Huston receiving the news via telegram:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQXuazYI_YU
2nd…Over/Under UGA/Clemson just went to 81
GT Insider
January 6th, 2013
11:17 pm
dlh82
January 6th, 2013
10:51 pm
Hey GT Insider. Ga had 4 tds on 8 plays. You best be quiet Mr pitch out and pray
I don’t recall making this a UGA/GT thing. I recall making this a UGA isn’t going to win enough games to win the East much less be in any top 10 without a defense.
Derp.
Dawg 4 Life
January 6th, 2013
11:19 pm
It is amazing to me how some of you so called experts are so clueless about the game of football and simply can’t count. The Dawgs are NOT losing 9 or 10 starters off of the defense. They are losing 7 starters and a few other seniors on our two deep depth chart. Garrison Smith at DE, Amarlo Herrara at ILB, Jordan Jenkins at OLB, and Damian Swann at CB are the FOUR returning starters on the defense. Yes, they will be younger on defense next year. But, they will also be hungry to prove themselves and loaded with talent…Plus, truth be known, there will be much more harmony on the defense next year because of RG leaving. There has been strife and tension between him and Grantham since Coach TG arrived in Athens.
Allen
January 6th, 2013
11:19 pm
Great news. Go Dawgs!
hind tit
January 6th, 2013
11:24 pm
I think what he did was smart. By waiting more QB come out next year and maybe have a chance to go to a better team next year.
GT Insider
January 6th, 2013
11:26 pm
LOL Dawg4life….right. That’s what every single fan of a school says when a coach spurns them for another school. There hasn’t been any strife. It’s a simple fact of a coach going back to his alma mater. Nothing more, nothing less.
Plus those four returners? Garrison is just serviceable. Jenkins was not a starter and is young. Herrerra is also just serviceable and is also slow. None of them are “stars” which is why they were playing behind the stars that are leaving now.
You don’t lose as many stars like Jarvis Jones and Ogletree and Commings and Rambo and Abry Jones as UGA just did or any football team and expect to reload with redshirt Freshmen and average players.
Kingdaddy
January 6th, 2013
11:26 pm
This is just what the crybabies didn’t want to hear, LOL. Do you think our Defense won most of those 12 games last year? Bwaaaaaaaahaaaaaahaaaaa. Welcome back AM…
Delbert D.
January 6th, 2013
11:35 pm
Murray’s decision is very good news for Georgia. As far as the coming season, it of course depends greatly on the development of the defense. This year was expected to be much better than last for the D, but it didn’t pan out that way. Some of this and some of that are returning as far as positions go, but clearly some of the bench players have to step up. Drew, for one came in as a real talent.
Dawg 4 Life
January 6th, 2013
11:37 pm
You sir, know not of what you speak. Have you ever even played tackle football, scooter?…. Welcome back Aaron! Go Dawgs!
heeldawg
January 6th, 2013
11:39 pm
Here’s what Aaron Murray’s return will mean:
1. Barring injury, Murray will finish next season as the SEC’s all-time leader in passing yards and TDs.
2. Mark Richt, when he returns an experienced signal-caller at QB, averages exactly 11 wins a season.
3. The Georgia offense, which set a single-season record this year, returns almost everybody from a team that averaged 38 ppg
4. The defense does return four starters (five if Geathers comes back), along with several others with significant playing time. The cupboard is not bare.
The early-season schedule is tough, to be certain. But the Gators lose their two best offensive weapons (from a mediocre offense) and as much on defense as Georgia, and the Gamecocks have already lost Lattimore and will lose a bunch of defenders as well. LSU and A&M also lost several key players–and A&M did not have much of a defense to begin with. No one comes away unscathed. Georgia will be competitive. BCS title? Maybe not. But here’s betting they get through the gauntlet of September with only one loss. Here’s betting they drop the Gators for the third year in a row. After that, who knows? No one picked A&M to be 11-2 this year, you know.
Kingdaddy
January 6th, 2013
11:46 pm
OK, so the Techies and chickens hate it. That’s good enough for me. It was a good McEnroe…
Gooddawg
January 6th, 2013
11:49 pm
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!
Kingdaddy
January 6th, 2013
11:50 pm
Move
what’s wrong with spellcheck???
meg-Lassiter area
January 6th, 2013
11:53 pm
I am glad for Murray, but feel upset for H. Mason. I know it happens all the time, but that kid turned down some good offers. My kids went to school with him. It’s hard to watch. Lassiter has produced some top players – and this kid was right up there.
Kingdaddy
January 6th, 2013
11:53 pm
I’m on my mobile. I typed move, so it typed McEnroe, LOL …
meg-Lassiter area
January 7th, 2013
12:03 am
Also, I remember the day clearly when Mason chose UGA. He was so proud and said he wanted to play just for UGA. (I’m a typical mom here, if you couldn’t tell by now, but I don’t like that rule where they can stay an extra yr.).
I know… spoken like a true Mother….
Fair n Balanced
January 7th, 2013
12:04 am
I don’t know how good we will be next year but I’m glad AM is staying. We lost to Bama because we couldn’t stop the run. Our problem wasn’t the O but the D. Leave AM alone. I’m sure Grantham will fix the D. Go Dogs!
UGA_85
January 7th, 2013
12:11 am
Meg, Hutson will get his shot and be very prepared when he does.
Mike S.
January 7th, 2013
12:12 am
I agree, Mark. I think we could be seeing a better UGA team this coming year than this past year. i know a lot is being lost on defense, but that defense didnt play all year the way it should. In fact, it really didnt play most of the year well at all, not even close to as good as 2011. They had issues from the start with Buffalo, giving up deep balls to Missouri, getting shredded by UT, not very impressive vs SC and Kentucky, then giving up massive rushing stats to Bama and Nebraska. They often played like a defense rebuilding, so I cant honestly see them being worse next year.
UGA_85
January 7th, 2013
12:15 am
Team needs to stay out of trouble with no suspensions. That is the message the team needs to hear. Stay focused on the goals and come out of the gate swinging.
Mike S.
January 7th, 2013
12:16 am
Also, other teams will lose pieces too. Lattimore is going pro, LSU has lost several key Juniors on defense, Bama should be losing a lot on the offensive line at least, A&M might be too if their tackles go + I think Swope graduates. Thats just the SEC competition. The suspensions and injuries this year could serve UGA well next year as a lot of backups got playing time they otherwise would not have.
Robards
January 7th, 2013
12:18 am
Georgia will be done before late September, after losing to two teams from the Palmetto State.
Robards
January 7th, 2013
12:21 am
I really thought Murray would leave since this is a such a poor draft for QBs–figured he would move up from where currently projected.
thwuga
January 7th, 2013
12:25 am
Of course he’s staying, where else is he going. No future in the NFL. No other options.
Glad to see it as it just keeps Mason on the sideline for another year so “can’t win the big one” Murray can continue to hold the dawgs down. Good decision AM!
thwuga
January 7th, 2013
12:26 am
Good point Robards – after his 0-2 Palmetto experience he’ll wonder what the heck he’s still doing in Athens. And even more so once he has that season ending injury against Clowney.
the truth
January 7th, 2013
12:46 am
This is good news for UGA but probably a mistake by Murray. He would be the #1 QB in a weak QB year. Matt Barkley stayed for his senior year and it cost him with an injury and a few bad performances.
Columbus
January 7th, 2013
1:14 am
Petrino? Im sure the Raiders would hire him right now…
Opening up in Death Valley….is this still some of Damon Evans scheduling?! year after year opening against a team that can beat you….ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS FIRST GAME! Crazy scheduling for several straight years now. Where is the warmups like most ALL other SEC schools schedule to get ready to play the importat games?!!! ANYBODY CAN BEAT ANYBODY FIRST GAME OR 2 OF THE SEASON! SHEESH! I HOPE MCGARRTIY GOT BETTER BRAINS THAN DAMON EVANS!!! BEAT OKLA ST, LOST TO BOISE, ESCAPED MIZZOU, NOW CLEMSON TO OPEN….ITS 50/50. ANYBODY CAN WIN. UGA OPENS AGAINST CLEMSON AND WHAT MAKES IT WORST IS TH VERY NEXT WEEK.ITS SOUTH CAROLINA…..TRYING TO GET GUYS HURT TOO HAVING TO COME OUT WITH AN ALL OUT GAME WHERE BACKUPS CANT TAKE A LOAD OFF?! GOOD THING THE WHOLE OFFENSE IS BACK AND WE HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST ON THE THE BEST TEAMS IN THE NATION IN 2013 RIGHT OFF THE BAT…THEN ANOTHER 7 DAYS LATER!
Columbus
January 7th, 2013
1:34 am
Manziel might lost both starting tackles to the NFL draft. A DE already left early and both tackles are projected 1st rounders NOW if they leave early…One is considered possiby the best player in the draft period…their starting center is lost to graduation. Since Moore is leaving early, a&m loses their 4 leading tacklers. UGA has Jenkins taking over for Jones at least and the OL is set for the first time in 5 years! Should be a good game against A&M if UGA meets them in the SEC Championship Game….I think UGA, UF, SC will battle it out just like this year while Bama & A&M and maybe LSU battle it out in the West. Not sure what LSU is gonna have next year overall. I know Mettenberger is not scaring me! Need to look at em though since UGA plays them early in Athens. 1st 3 of 4 games….Clemson, SC, LSU…last to in Athens at least
Stinger 2
January 7th, 2013
3:35 am
As a GT fan, it does not matter who plays QB for UGA. Sadly, the results of the game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving won`t change if its AM or Mason.
Also, Mark I liked the compliment you gave yourself about being such a Trooper to leave a party and report this news. I hope you get a raise. LOL
dean
January 7th, 2013
4:26 am
Outstanding news @ 0427 in the morning. AND, 100th!
oakisland
January 7th, 2013
5:16 am
Everybody is talking and worrying about our tough schedule starting off next year– Clemson , SC, LSU. I think Clemson, SC, and LSU should be the ones “sweating bullets” for having to play the Dawgs. GATA from a 69 grad.
The Game Chickens will still watch the 2013 S.E.C. championship siting in Steve's lap
January 7th, 2013
5:54 am
Enter your comments here
bwell
January 7th, 2013
5:58 am
5-1-5
5 yards
15 seconds from the BCS C’ship game! That should be Ga motto for the off season!
If the defense gel and don’t play scared then we roll into another SEC title and win this one! This past season it was the offense who was questioned, now its the defense who is questioned. Hopefully someone step up and lead this bunch of young pups! Go dawgs.
molto
January 7th, 2013
6:17 am
georgia beats fla and sc easily to win the east. in the sec title game, ga upsets alabama to win the title—ga to the BCS title game!! bet the house.
lw
January 7th, 2013
6:19 am
Death Valley welcomes you. 08/31/2013.
Cal22
January 7th, 2013
6:19 am
Heavens no!!! A tough schedule for UGA this year? Get comfortable with third place in the East.
Cal22
January 7th, 2013
6:20 am
In Athens, the NC is always next year.
The Morning After – January 7, 2013 edition | The Victory Formation
January 7th, 2013
6:46 am
[...] leader on offense stays, the one on defense goes. (c/o Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Red & [...]
Reality
January 7th, 2013
6:48 am
Funny people ThUGA fans are. I’m willing to bet, come tomorrow morning should Notre Dame beat Alabama, most of you will be talking about how ThUGA should have played Notre Dame………of course that’s beside the fact that’s all you all have been saying since you LOST the SEC Title game.
Clowney is KIng
January 7th, 2013
6:54 am
SC afraid to play UGA? I think it is the other way around! 3 straight with this last win being an absolute beat down. Seems UGA has a SC problem, physical and mental at this point Spurrier and Clowney are UGA’s big daddies.
Mulk
January 7th, 2013
7:16 am
1. Murray is a good college QB. A lot better than Stafford was. UGAG will be better with him than without him. No doubt. Not taking anything away from Murray, however, he won’t be drafted high in the pro draft.This year or the next. I saw somewhere that he was the 10th rated QB prospect in a very weak field this year??? You guys can dis him all you want, but Mettenburger, for example, will be drafted higher when he goes pro. So, please stop with all this pro stuff for Murray.
2. Why is it that when any SEC team is scheduled to play a team they are always a very good team – like Clemson, LSU, Missouri, Vandy, Miss. St., Florida, etc, but when other teams play those same teams and beat them, those teams are “disinterested”?? The last time I looked, Clemson couldn’t even win a division (much less conference) in the ACC but now they are everybody’s darling because they beat LSU? Or, is it because they are scheduled to play UGAG next season? Georgia is great because they beat Florida but when Louisville exposed them it was because Florida was disinterested? Georgia is great because they didn’t embarrass themselves against Alabama like they did against S. Carolina? If Georgia is great, how good is Texas A&M? I think they actually beat Alabama. And, in Tuscaloosa. I don’t remember A&M winning a lot of Big 12 titles but they are world beaters now that they are in the SEC?
3. Why is anybody worried that the defensive players from UGAG are going pro? Next year’s defense has got to be better than this year’s, don’t it? Addition by subtraction.
4. And, if all those defensive players are so great, why isn’t Granthem doing anything with them? Spurrier wants to know…
JB
January 7th, 2013
7:16 am
Well, to my Techie friends…..You guys always seem to think you can win with the spread wing T or whatever Johnson runs without a sniff of defense…. Dawgs offense will be unreal running, passing….and the D will be young…..but very talented…..I like our chances.
Old Dog Class of 80
January 7th, 2013
7:31 am
I think the Georgia team will be a lot better with Murray coming back. He is not a GREAT QB, but he is a GOOD QB who has improved every year.
Someone mentioned on another blog that they would like to “have their cake and eat it, too” – have Murray back but see Mason taking a lot of snaps. That is what I would like to see, too. It would show that we actually have Coaches who think about the future. Of course, Murray is going to start all the “big” games, but when we get comfortably ahead, Mason should be put in. And on the “cupcakes”, Mason should start, with Murray in the wings in case Mason starts imploding. We will see what our Coaching staff ends up doing. Murray should have his stats padded enough by now.
Mulk
January 7th, 2013
7:32 am
JB,
When Tech ran a traditional offense, they weren’t very good, either. And, even though highly touted, Georgie’s defense was not very good this year. I think it is safe to say that next season’s defense will be better. But, good? Good players, poor coaching. I know you like your chances, but your best chance is that neither Florida or LSU is as good as everybody thinks. Not as good, but highly rated so that if Georgie does win, then they will be highly rated. Speaking of chances, what is the chance that Spurrier will once again come out on top in that game?
Mike Bell 790
January 7th, 2013
7:33 am
78th?
Shug
January 7th, 2013
7:37 am
I’d prefer if Murray left. He’s had plenty of opportunities at UGA and done all he’s capable of doing at the college level. Time to move on. This is isn’t necessarily good news for Murry or the Bulldogs.
Hendrik
January 7th, 2013
7:43 am
Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity includes several pages of extremely complex mathematical equations that have an infinite number of mathematically possible solutions, although the majority of those solutions have no real world physical possibilities. An elite team of physicists and mathematicians have recently completed the analysis of 2,000,000,000 sets of solutions, and they’ve made some startling discoveries.
In the sports world, one of the solutions appears to allow the Georgia Bulldogs to win the SEC and the BCS championships with Mark Richt at the helm. However, the scientists caution that the possibility of this happening is approximately 1 in 382,952,892,028. If Richt is not there, the odds increase by a factor of 100,000,000.
Since no one has yet found a flaw in Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, it would appear that Richt must go.
Hendrik Lorentz,
Leader of ConcernedScientistsWantRichtFiredNow.com
CC
January 7th, 2013
7:49 am
Great news. The future is bright at UGA.
Time and Tide
January 7th, 2013
7:56 am
I’m sure that Dawg Nation will be unanimous in cheering the Crimson Tide on to victory against Notre Dame. Even dawgs admire the strength and skills of a well-coached team of scholar-athletes, especially since they see so little of that in Athens, bless their hearts.
Drink up that leftover New Year’s champagne to celebrate the Tide’s second straight BCS championship!
NCDAWG
January 7th, 2013
7:57 am
Reality – what reality do you live in? ThUGA? God I’m so tired of piss ants like you thinking that a few kids that get into trouble makes the whole team thugs. Go back and read the article about Marlon Brown. Read some articles about Jarvis Jones. College kids do stupid things and at Georgia they get acknowledged and punished. Go hang out on some other blog because you have no business being on a Georgia blog at all.
Hurley
January 7th, 2013
7:57 am
Bad news for the dawgs.
Time and Tide
January 7th, 2013
8:02 am
I’m sure that Dawg Nation will be unanimous in cheering the Crimson Tide on to victory against Notre Dame. Even dawgs admire the strength and skills of a well-coached team of scholar-athletes, especially since they see so little of that in Athens, bless their hearts.
Let’ s all drink up that leftover New Year’s champagne to celebrate the Tide’s second straight BCS championship!
Paddy
January 7th, 2013
8:07 am
Mulk……….you may be right that Metenburger would be a higher NFL draft pick than AM. But I am a Dawg fan and am very pleased he is returning. Could care less what NFL scouts say about any player on any team. This may be to ‘old school’ for some but AM will have his Dr degree and set up his life for success with or without a NFL career. DGD that AM! Hope UGA is fotunate to sign more like him in the future.
CapitalOneDawg
January 7th, 2013
8:07 am
Woohoo! He’s coming back. Paper Champions AGAIN!
Woof! Woof! Wolves!
grifter
January 7th, 2013
8:11 am
Too bad Georgia can’t beat the Gamecocks. How many years now have the Cocks ruined Georgia’s chances? Let’s see what Clowney does to Murray this year, he’ll wish he had jumped. Delightful.
Real Dawg FAN!
January 7th, 2013
8:11 am
daddo (or whatever that stands for?)
Dude you need to chill on the defense.
We have a lot of young men that got playing time this year on defense due to some bad descesion made by some of our seniors this year.
We are going to be OK.
Got to beat the best to be the best!
DO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heat Check: Will Falcons again feel the January chill? | Mark Bradley
January 7th, 2013
8:11 am
[...] Won the Capital One Bowl, lost Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree to the NFL, kept Aaron Murray. That latter bit is the biggie, folks. It’s the difference between being picked to repeat as [...]
Gator Mike
January 7th, 2013
8:12 am
Smart move by Murray because he will leave UGA with an MS Degree which will take him farther in life than football. He is a good kid, and he will keep the UGA offense together. He represents UGA with class. As for UGA being a top 5 preseason team team, I doubt it with all of the other good teams out there and your losses on defense. Just hope my Gators show up in Jax this year.
Happy New Year to all.
yellowfever
January 7th, 2013
8:13 am
will we get to see jawga play Johnny football before he leaves the Aggies? Probably not.
Mulk
January 7th, 2013
8:22 am
Paddy,
I agee with you whole heartedly! As a Tech fan, I wish he would leave. He has done well and will do well next season. My point is, and it may be your point, his draft status has little bearing on his accomplishments. So, there is no need to exaggerate them.
NCDAWG
January 7th, 2013
8:25 am
Murray returning is good news… I hope that his experience in the SEC Championship and against Nebraska have put him past the big game “nut up” issues he has had. It looked like the 2nd half of the SEC Championship did his confidence a world of good. South Carolina is not going to see the same guy next year. I guess we need to outscore some folks until the young D can get straightened out. Could be a wild ride.
DAWGMAN
January 7th, 2013
8:27 am
I’m happy for all of us.
Now support the SEC Champ tonight.
Roll Tide!
GT
January 7th, 2013
8:29 am
It is strictly the schedule with the east. South Carolina has been the best team for three years and only gone once to the championship. Georgia looks like they’ll play a real schedule next year, and USC loses its running back, but not its coach. Tenn will take a couple of years to get back, Auburn may do it faster, and Florida ain’t going anywhere till it gets an offense. The team that dodges the west division the most will win this division. Did anyone see Johnnie Football this weekend, now that is something you cannot over hype.
GT
January 7th, 2013
8:29 am
It is strictly the schedule with the east. South Carolina has been the best team for three years and only gone once to the championship. Georgia looks like they’ll play a real schedule next year, and USC loses its running back, but not its coach. Tenn will take a couple of years to get back, Auburn may do it faster, and Florida ain’t going anywhere till it gets an offense. The team that dodges the west division the most will win this division. Did anyone see Johnnie Football this weekend, now that is something you cannot over hype.
GT
January 7th, 2013
8:29 am
It is strictly the schedule with the east. South Carolina has been the best team for three years and only gone once to the championship. Georgia looks like they’ll play a real schedule next year, and USC loses its running back, but not its coach. Tenn will take a couple of years to get back, Auburn may do it faster, and Florida ain’t going anywhere till it gets an offense. The team that dodges the west division the most will win this division. Did anyone see Johnnie Football this weekend, now that is something you cannot over hype.
ugafancolumbusga
January 7th, 2013
8:31 am
AM PROUD AND HAPPY FOR AARON S DECISION ESPEICALLY WHEN IT COMES TO COLLEGE MATERIAL IMPORTANCE OF GRADUATING IN GRADUATE SCHOOL .. THAT S AWESOME AND INPUT FOOTBALL 2013 COULD SPELL UGA YEAR WINNER.. .
B
January 7th, 2013
8:34 am
Top 5 no. They lost 2 games last year with what was their best team with overall talent in the richt era. And they will lose major pieces on defense. Plus no more cupcake schedule. Adding clemson and lsu next season means at least 2 reg season losses. Will probably start in the top 10 but finish in the top 20.
Joey
January 7th, 2013
8:37 am
Good news.
Now gotta tighten up that D before September, or Richt won’t ever get to take his foot off the gas.
NFL
January 7th, 2013
8:38 am
Yahoo sports said he would not be drafted.
So this makes him a top 5 QB?
B
January 7th, 2013
8:38 am
Looks like you should go back and finish high school Columbus. Writing in CAP letters is annoying. Not to mention your several typos, misspelled words and overall incoherent sentences.
dlove
January 7th, 2013
8:38 am
I think the dawgs would have been ranked in the Top 10 with Hudson at QB. Personally I wish he would have turned pro, seen enough of him, I want to see the Hudson kid get his chancI, he’s like a stallion sittin in the barn wasting away…
DP
January 7th, 2013
8:38 am
I saw the news on Murray scroll across ESPN this morning and figured that Mark Bradley would immediately have Georgia in its second straight BCS championship game. To only proclaim them a top 5 team despite losing virtually the entire defense is a very muted initial reaction from Bradley, but my prediction is that by July or August he will have them winning the BCS championship.
Where’s all this alleged depth on defense for Georgia? The defense was lousy early in the year with several players out of suspension and when I watched Georgia other than the nose guards just about all the defensive starters were playing virtually every snap.
Chad
January 7th, 2013
8:40 am
Him returning is good for uga but says a lot about him going to the next level. Already graduated so nothing to do school wise. Two sec champ appearances. If he was nfl caliber, he would be going. Obviosuly he is not and playing another year in college won’t change that.
NFL
January 7th, 2013
8:42 am
fox sports reported on the radio that the NFL told Murray he wouldn’t draft well and so he decided to stay. Makes sense. He isn’t a big game QB and that’s been the knock on him for a while. He’s also short and at critical times inaccurate.
The NFL knows what it wants. That’s why Jones and the defense are trying to leave. For Murray, that wouldn’t bode well going into a far tougher schedule then UGA has seen in 4 years or more.
dawg4life
January 7th, 2013
8:48 am
Everyone seems to think that no one on next year’s defense played this year. Most of these guys played every single game and some started about 40% of the season while suspensions were being served. Trust me when I tell you there will be a slight drop, not a lot of drop off, which is what other teams are hoping. These idiots are acting like we are only going to field 2 defensive players against 11 offensive players.
DP
January 7th, 2013
8:49 am
Yo Mulk, if you think Texas A&M this season was the same team it was when it was in the Big 12, you apparently didn’t watch the beatdown it put on Oklahoma of the Big 12 in its bowl game. This year A&M has this QB you apparently haven’t heard of whose nickname is Johnny Football, set the SEC record for total offense in a season, won the Heisman and had over 500 yards of total offense in the bowl against Oklahoma. A&M also has 2 offensive linemen and one defensive lineman expected to go in the first round of the NFL draft.
But you’re right, people only think A&M is good now because they’re in the SEC.
dawg4life
January 7th, 2013
8:49 am
The Dawgs will go 10-2 next year, play for SECG, but will not have a shot for MNC due to other teams having only 1 loss. Mark it.
DP
January 7th, 2013
8:51 am
Hey dawg4life, with regard to those Georgia defensive backups who started 40% of the games, the rules allow you to have 11 guys on the field so it stands to reason that when a starter is suspended somebody will take his place whether he’s any good or not.
DAWGMAN
January 7th, 2013
8:52 am
Going to have to superglue that pedal to the metal. Conditioning, conditioning, conditioning. Designated Special Teams Coach…
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
8:53 am
WOW, Murray just lead the most prolific offense in the history of Georgia Football. Ever. And did so with a rebuilt line, freshman RBs, and missing his best WRs. But some of you think the back up surely has to be better than that. Brilliant deduction.
Maybe we sould put Mason in. I mean, there is something about him that has some people convinced that he would have:
1. Lost less games last year (all against top 10 teams) purely based on his individual talent. (although there is zero evidence of that).
2. Definetely would have gone undefeated this year. (Despite no reality in which this was an undefeated type team coming into the year.
I am seriously starting to question my own wisdom in even participating in these blogs lately.
DawginLex
January 7th, 2013
8:53 am
Muray was told by the NFL he would be 2nd or 3rd round.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
8:54 am
Why would this put ga at the top? The only reason they made it this season was SC had to play ga fla and lsu in consecutive weeks. Ga doesn’t have a cupcake schedule next year. And they lose like 4 key players on D including the two most important. Nose tackle and jarvis. You can’t replace that. The offense will be good but the defense will be weak next year. And I wonder how bored murray will get doing the same thing. When he loses to clemson, I see the season falling apart.
bubba4dawgs
January 7th, 2013
8:56 am
Find a gorilla in the JUCO ranks to handle Clowney and UGA will take care of the chickens. The DAWGS need to make a statement with them this year! If not, then I doubt they can be looking for a BCS game. GO DAWGS!!
DawgFan
January 7th, 2013
8:56 am
Leave Hutson now.
Dont believe the lies and promises any longer.
DawgFan
January 7th, 2013
8:58 am
Aaron Murray will never win a championship for the Dawgs.
He’s had his chances.
Selfish
DAWGMAN
January 7th, 2013
9:02 am
Academics will be very important. Open field tackling.
rip
January 7th, 2013
9:03 am
Murray has to go. Start Matson. Stats show that on odd numbered Saturdays, 82 percent of Murray’s passes hit only the third finger on the receivers hand. On even numbered Saturdays 89 percent. A great QB(anybody but an UGA qb-says Tech’s, Floridas’ or Bama’s would have hit only 2 percent). This is all Bobo’s fault and Richts’ also. Fire them and hire Bubba McPhee from down at the trolls service station.
Tom
January 7th, 2013
9:06 am
Murray peaked this year. Now he will just pad his stats but the ga defense will be average next year. They will lose 2-3 games and his draft will remain the same. Mistake imo.
DAWGMAN
January 7th, 2013
9:12 am
Pick up the pace. Enhance the TE play.
trailerparkted
January 7th, 2013
9:16 am
I was hoping Murray would leave, he sucks against tough sec opponets! SC 11-31 for 109yards 35% completion 1 pick…………..Florida 12-24 150yards 50% completion 3 picks……..he’s great against mediocre opponets.
aj
January 7th, 2013
9:18 am
Wonder if Hutson Mason is having second thoughts about not transferring???
Herman from Mineral Bluff
January 7th, 2013
9:19 am
CMR should have made it part of the deal that if Mason redshirts, Murray leaves after this last season. Had he left, he’d be starting for someone in September. Instead, he’ll watch Murray take the snaps he and we were led to believe would be his. All because you idiots believe you actually won the Bama game. Murray s coming back to lead you to what? A 9-3 record at best?
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
9:21 am
Maybe for him, Tom. Although I would be willing to bet THIS is what the professionals adviced him to do. It could be that he can’t take this 2013 team any further, but nobody ever “peaks” if they sharpen thier skill another year. Maybe he doesn’t move up in the draft, maybe he will, but appearantly his place now was pretty clear and it wasn’t where he wanted to be. Plus , IMO, Georgia’s pure W/L record in 2013 is not going to be how the scouts evaluate his professional prospects. Especially if the losses are to legit top10 teams, as you suggest. So that’s that part.
As far as his college career, Murray gives us the change TO win those (2-3) games, at least. So for UGA, this is good news.
Personally I think its a pretty cool deal to be witness to the type of (school and conference) records he is going to set while at UGA. I think those kinds of things have always been a point of pride for any fan of any school.
DAWGMAN
January 7th, 2013
9:23 am
Be ready to play the first game. And each one after that. Assume nothing. And discipline.
Finally, some humility and self respect.
g is a stupid letter
January 7th, 2013
9:23 am
Now Mason knows what Bret Hart felt like after the Montreal screw-job.
Raiderbeater
January 7th, 2013
9:26 am
AM I the ONLY person who realizes it’s a good thing our “ME” players on defesne are gone from 2012!!???? I’m glad the younger guys have to step into their rolse and play together as a team. The 2012 squad didn’t!!!! The 2013 defense will be statistically better at points allowed than 2012….you heard it here first.
2012’s defense was awful with all those “pros”.
trueblueeagle
January 7th, 2013
9:33 am
Mark you know that UGA is not going to beat Clemson, South Carolina and LSU at the most there going to be 2-2 by start of Oct. With no defense that can stop the run USC and LSU will play keep away from Murry and company. Get real Mark and stop drinking the UGA Kool aid.
g is a stupid letter
January 7th, 2013
9:35 am
Raiderbeater, bet you said the same thing after the 2008 season. See the 2009 and 2010 seasons for details. Its always the players fault with you CMR fans.
Buckeye
January 7th, 2013
10:02 am
Not so fast.
After tonight, the dogs will take there delusional off-season #1 ranking through dog day and Fall practice until the games start.
Then, the dogs start 1-3 out of the gate and are afterthoughts until signing day and Dream Team #5 and re-take their rightful place.
MontanaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:03 am
Mark, not sure if I agree with your assessment of Murray or the Dawgs next year. Murray shows strokes of brillance at times, but he is not even close to the well-rounded weapon that Johnny Football is for A&M. Murray can be great, but most times I cringe when he goes back to pass. Will it be a completion or an interception? He has little scrambling ability and his aim can be erratic. He hasn’t won any BIG games in his career. I do think his game matured a bit with his performance against Alabama and Nebraska. Let’s hope he keeps that edge. BUT, our defense will have to be re-built and we face a very tough September schedule. It will be a miracle if we can get out of September with just one loss. Just being a realist.
Red Stick
January 7th, 2013
10:20 am
Mark, you are the most delusional writer I’ve ever seen. UGA in the top 5 and losing nearly the entire defense? Heck, LSU is losing 6 starters on that side of the ball and I don’t expect them to be even near the top 5 in 2013.
Players like Jarvis Jones, Ogletree and Rambo are not easily replaced. We have the same issue replacing Montgomery, Minter, Reid and Mingo.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Dru
January 7th, 2013
10:27 am
Teams in the SEC better than UGA:
1) Alabama
2) LSU
3) Texas A/M
4) South Carolina
5) Florida
National teams better than Georgia:
Ohio State
1) Notre Dame
2) Stanford
3) Oregon
4) Clemson
5) Florida State
6) Oklahoma
7) Louisville
9) Wisconsin
10) Nebraska
Dru
January 7th, 2013
10:28 am
Boise State and Mich St is also better than Georgia.
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:30 am
If LSU was returning everybody off of the most prolific offense in LSU history, I bet they would be near the top 5.
Are they?
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:30 am
If LSU was returning everybody off of the most prolific offense in LSU history, I bet they would be near the top 5.
Are they?
Dru
January 7th, 2013
10:33 am
I’d put UGA #18 pre-season.
They start slow each season with Aaron Murray.
So early losses to Clemson, South Carolina and LSU will knock them out of the top 25.
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:35 am
And where would you put your team preseason, Dru?
Rick James
January 7th, 2013
10:36 am
This news is really upsetting Tech fans..
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:37 am
My guess if that you have very little knowledge of what any of those 3 teams are going to look like in 2013, and would be hard pressed to name a dozen players combined.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
January 7th, 2013
10:43 am
Alabama has no true pass rushing defensive lineman thus Murray has plenty of time and he did very well. When he has pressure he chokes and that is documented for all. The UGA defense will be much worse in 2013 so beating UF,Clemson, and USCe will be very difficult. LSU has lost 9 EE to the NFL so that game will not be as tuff as the above games. Jarvis played hide a lot of issues in the UGA defense that will be seen in 2013. Top 5…yeah right…top 15 is about right.
RTR22
January 7th, 2013
10:49 am
Maybe he can beat LSWho and win a big game…….. SECCG not so much 2011, 2012 or 2013
John W. Holmes
January 7th, 2013
10:49 am
Football is a game of inches
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:55 am
Jarvis Jones couldn’t win a big game either. Would you want him back?
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:00 am
@NCDAWG you’re known as ThUGA because you have more players with criminal records than any other college team out there.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:03 am
@Dru Alabama and A&M are definitele better teams than uga. Notre Dame and Ohio State are better teams. The rest of your list is BS.
drdawg
January 7th, 2013
11:08 am
This will further delay the development of our other QBs. Don’t get excited unless we get through September with all “W”s.
HawksFanSince'89
January 7th, 2013
11:15 am
We’ll probably be ranked 13# after we loose to SC and possibly another ranked opponent, and win another mediocre bowl game next year.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:21 am
I seriously doubt that told Murray 2nd or 3rd round. I bet they said you’d go undrafted and so he is coming back to hopefully improve.
But he’s coming back to a team that no longer has the benefit of a cupcake schedule. So supposedly talented defense players couldn’t run the 3-4, why would a bunch of nobodys be able to run it better?
So without a defense they’re supposed to start their first game ON THE ROAD against a very good Clemson team that is aiming for a national championship? Then comes a South Carolina team that is more experienced and talented and won the last 3 meetings? Then comes LSU, which despite it’s coach, is loaded with talent on defense?
That’s a 1-3 start. Easily.
And what if Auburn’s Malzahn and our old recruiter and UT’s No Name guy turn out to be very good? That could easily be two more road losses as both games are away. And UF? What if they don’t turn the ball over six times this year?
So why would Murray come back to that? To win that SECCG he didn’t win? I don’t think so. I think it’s because he might have risked not being drafted. If that is the case, then why would he propel this team to the top 5 and stay there? He’s a drop back passer, the NFL still doesn’t want him. That’s saying something.
The SEC has a new favorite son, especially if Saban leaves, and that’s A&M. The SEC has been weak this year, especially the bottom 2/3s of the teams. A&M will be the next SEC team to have a short at the NCG, the SEC gave UGA 2-3 years of an easy schedule and they failed. I don’t see why with the same coaching staff anything improves.
Sorry to say, 1-3 start, possibly a 6-7 year, Murray becomes even more uninteresting to the NFL. I think he has no choice but to stay, but it won’t turn out very well for him.
We need something new around here. Murray isn’t it, but neither is anything else we have behind him. JUCO?
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:27 am
I think the NFL might have told Murray, if you do exceptionally well in the combine and other guys suck, you may be 3rd round, bottom 2nd round. But more than likely you would fall to the bottom or go un drafted.
This is what ESPN says:
Because of his height — he’s 6-foot-1 — some pro teams are sure to discount his value as a potential first-round pick. At least that’s the historical trend in the modern era of the draft. In the last 25 years, 57 quarterbacks went in the first round, but only three were listed at 6-1 or shorter: Florida’s Rex Grossman (6-1, 2003), Virginia Tech’s Michael Vick (6-0, 2001) and UCLA’s Cade McNown (6-1, 1999).
The thing is Rex was a winner and so was Vick (at VT) and Brees. Our best win in the 3 year Murray era was a close loss to Alabama in a year we got blown out 35-7 against a team who lost their next 2.
SPURRIER IS IN UGA'S HEAD
January 7th, 2013
11:30 am
Tebow came for his senior yr as I recall. Can anyone remember whether they won the SEC and National Title? I’m actually glad he made that decision. More picks for every defensive team in the SEC when they play uga next season
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:31 am
It’s okay to have a QB that’s not NFL quality. Tebow was one. Johnny Football might be another. Great QBs in college but not the prototypical NFL QB and therefore unusable.
Murray is a drop back passer. He is what the NFL wants. And they must have said no. 2nd or 3rd round is really good. You’re in the top 3 of players going to the franchise. If those rounds didn’t matter then they should just have 1 round and then close the draft. They matter, tremendous players in those rounds and if you can be in the top 3, you go.
So he is coming back because he wants to be first round? I don’t buy it. You could go from 3rd round to 1st round with a good combine. He’s not 3rd round. Probably not close.
SPURRIER IS IN UGA'S HEAD
January 7th, 2013
11:34 am
how’s that schedule looking for next season compared to this past season for the dawgs? Sounds like it won’t be quite as easy next season. LSU, USC, Clemson early on. That should test Murray for sure. If I’m a uga fan, I’d want him to move on to the nfl
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:38 am
Also remember this is a draft with not a lot of QB quality. This isn’t the 2012 draft.
Here is the list of potential NFL QB draft from a month ago so the decision to stay or not didn’t matter:
1. Geno Smith (what happened to WVU)
2. Matt Barkley (physical mess right now)
3. Tyler Wilson (good QB, bad team)
4. Tyler Bray (seriously? no. but he is 6′6″, 5″ taller than Murray)
5. Landry Jones from OU (maybe, doubt it)
6. Tajh Boyd (good but not buying he’s a great NFL prospect yet)
7. Ryan Nassib (no idea)
8. Mike Glennon NCST (another 6′6″)
9. Aaron Murray
10. EJ Manuel FSU (NO)
11. Logan Thomas VT (nah)
12. Zac Dysert (YES! Miami of Ohio? i know, but this is the kind of QB that makes it in the NFL)
13. Derek Carr Fresno (same as Zac above)
So with that list, Murray still couldn’t make it to the top of the 2013 QB draft? Junk wins and junk yards don’t impress the NFL evidently.
OLD DOG
January 7th, 2013
11:39 am
Rankings are for loosers. The only rankng that counts is the last one. Wins are the important issue and the Clemson game is the only game that is important now. Rankings don’t change the schedule or give your team any extra points., Let’s all cheer that we ended the season in the top 10 or where ever. Can anyone name the other 9 teams in order after the 2011 season. We only remember #1 and that they came from the SEC AGAIN.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:43 am
If height matters, looking at the 2014 draft on cbssports which puts Murray #1, my bet is he’d really fall to #10. The second best 6′1″ QB behind Tajh Boyd if he is still there.
The only thing that will change for Murray is that our schedule will get a lot harder. We missed the boat by 4 yards. 4. 4 freaking yards. 4.
And 29 points in Columbia. But still, 4 yards. I have a bad feeling that 4 yards will hang over us for a decade or more.
OLD DOG
January 7th, 2013
11:44 am
Reality where did all of this neat info come from. You are a world of knowledge but most of it is guesstamations and speculation. By the way how tall is Drew Brese?
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:46 am
The top 10 teams after the 2011 season? I don’t recall. Just Alabama.
2010 season? Auburn and I’m sure Oregon was in the top 5.
2009 season? I remember Alabama and I’m sure Texas was up in the top 5.
2008 season? Ugh, Florida?
2007 season? LSU?
2006 season? Florida?
2005…….. Texas. I bet USC was #2.
Dang, I’m going to have go look this up. I can’t remember. But I think that’s your point. Your basically saying, after tonight, heck, after the A&M game Friday, and the Louisville game a couple of days before, nobody but nobody remembers UGA almost beating Bama except UGA fans?
And updyke. I bet he was trying to figure out how to poison UGA or something.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:53 am
Drew Brees was a better QB than Murray when he was at Purdue. He was as good in college as he turned out to be in the NFL. He was not a sleeper pick for San Diego.
He is shorter than Murray by an inch. But he’s a better QB and always was.
Murray might be more Rex Grossman like and the NFL will probably pass on Rex II.
g is a stupid letter
January 7th, 2013
11:53 am
How does Murray look Mason in the eye now that he has taken his season away. Mason should have left, but he didn’t, thinking the statpadder would go on and leave.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:54 am
Also, do you remember how many times Conner Shaw’s house was egged this year? How about… Bray? How about McCarron? Johnny Football? Tajh Boyd?
The list goes on. Either that speaks volumes about Murray… or us. Don’t know which but I’d hate to think it’s us.
the senator
January 7th, 2013
11:55 am
I know Drew Brees. Aaron Murray is no Drew Brees.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
11:55 am
OLD DOG, as to the information, they have the internet on computers now.
wxwax
January 7th, 2013
11:59 am
I think the draft advisory board got it vey, very wrong.
Murray would have gone in the first round. He might even have been a top 10 pick. Too many NFL teams desperately need a thrower and this is an awful crop. Murray would clearly have been one of the best had he come out.
He obviously needs to grow. But the way he came on at the end of last season would have turned a lot of heads in the NFL.
Still, this is the best decision for him. It gives him one more year to work on his decision-making and composure. It’s great for Georgia.
DIT
January 7th, 2013
12:00 pm
UGA should be somewhere between 13th and 16th, in my opinion, due to the mass exodus on our defense. Most of the players next season are good, but not much experienced. They can be 20th and if they start the season 4-0 (big if) Dawgs will rapidly rise in the polls.
Then again polls don’t mean crap until week #8 so I really don’t care when the season begins.
Reality
January 7th, 2013
12:04 pm
The polls matter from week 1. If Team 1 and 2 go undefeated, you can be left out even with a stellar schedule. It’s happened before.
That said, you’re probably right 13-16th is about right.
I think pollsters will see UGA vs Clemson/USC/LSU to start off the season and hedge their bets downwards on our ranking. Murray won’t make them rank us higher, he just doesn’t have that IT factor. I think USC showed they’re far better than us but they didn’t survive a tough stretch either. Not that we were evidently that tough.
David
January 7th, 2013
12:12 pm
Georgia wins all there games, including SEC Championship this time, and they should play for BCS Championship if that happens then Aaron Murray made a great decision. IT ALWAYS USC (Southern California team not South Carolina) which one time was number one guess where they finesh, so I holding on until it happens next December!!! It not where you start, where you finest that courts!
Reality
January 7th, 2013
12:14 pm
all you need to know is if you wanted to win the SEC and a BCS NCG… you wouldn’t have bothered to talk to the NFL. If that was your goal.
He talked to the NFL and decided “hey, [evidently] one more year [because i have no choice], so let’s win that championship [because CMR told me to say that to save face].”
adam
January 7th, 2013
12:22 pm
Murray should have left. Let the other QB’s have a chance. Defense will be young next year. I see us with 4 loses.
kerryb
January 7th, 2013
12:41 pm
Here’s the Reality. I remember after the 2004 season everyone was lamenting the fact that UGA was losing David Greene, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, David Pollack, Odel Thurman, and Thomas Davis. What did UGA do the next year. Win the SEC Championship. Georgia has a lot of talent still on defense waiting in the wings. The difference is this group will be hungry because they are not already considered 1st round draft picks. This group will also not get suspended the first 4 games.
Cal22
January 7th, 2013
12:47 pm
This is great news for SEC teams on Georgia’s schedule. As long as Murray is around and you’re team is in the top ten, it’s an automatic W.
SecFan
January 7th, 2013
1:19 pm
The analysis that Georgia has enough defensive depth to make up for losing basically the entire defense contradicts fans blaming lack of defensive depth for losing the SECCG. But I’m sure the AJC is right and the dawg fans are wrong.
DOGGIE IN NC
January 7th, 2013
1:45 pm
For all you Murray haters – none of you can say Murray did not improve his play in big games this year (excluding USCe, when he had zero time to throw). If he would take a “chill pill” before big games, he would be unstoppable. We ARE talking about the highest rated q-back in college football haters – you can’t dispute that fact. Every team out there play some tough games, and some cupcakes. If he puts up 38+ per game in 2013, we will be right back in the big dance (SEC Championship). Win that, and you are better than 50/50 to win the Natty.
The Tigers will be the toughest of the three games (1st, new defense) to start the season. Doggies will be bent for revenge against USC (see Vandy game this year). LSU has a crummy quarterback (Mettenchoker). And Gators offense still sucks! GO DOGGIES!
Hysteria about UGA
January 7th, 2013
2:02 pm
Notice all the rants about the Dawgs now that they hear Murray is back. Sounds like a lot of rival fans are getting extremely nervous over what the Dogs are building over in Athens.
dawgfacedboy
January 7th, 2013
3:12 pm
Well, at least the offense SHOULD keep us in games. I’m not sure what to make of the D. With that much future NFL talent they should’ve been a lot better. “they played for themselves and not the team” well then that is on the coaches. Losing 10 starters and 12 regulars on one side of the ball is not usually good for any team. I think we have some quality young players on the D but are they ready to come in and help a top 5 or 6 team win? I guess we’ll see in about 9 months.
Tony Inglis
January 7th, 2013
3:13 pm
Are you sure you want to get on Nick Saban’s list for assuming his team will beat the Leprechauns tonight? He has rules about such things, you know?
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
January 7th, 2013
3:14 pm
LOL…Murray’s record vs top teams don’t scare top teams. Now Furman better lookout.
dawgfacedboy
January 7th, 2013
3:16 pm
SECfan- defensive depth (which they have) had nothing to do with UGA losing the SECCG.
My 2 Cents
January 7th, 2013
5:12 pm
I kind of agree with everyone saying Murray is too short to be in the NFL and the NFL probably told him thanks but no thanks unless you can show us some Drew Brees like material.
But to say he’s like Rex Grossman is really not fair to Rex Grossman. Rex was a very good QB in college. Won a lot of games and almost won the Heisman. Murray put up all these yards this year and wasn’t even a thought for the Heisman. A freshman won it for the first time.
I think everyone outside of Georgia sees Georgia as a team to prepare for, and if you’re ranked, a team you’ll probably beat. If you’re not ranked, you’ll probably lose. I think Murray has a lot to do with that. He puts up a lot of points and yards against unranked teams and does poorly against ranked teams.
I don’t think this was good for Georgia long term. I think he’s coming back to prep for the NFL but in a year it’ll mean UGA is prepping a new QB when they could’ve done that in 2013 while the defense rebuilds. UGA is not going to compete for the East in 2013 or the SEC or a NC, so it’d be a good year to start a new QB especially with good receivers.
I can agree with the people who say its selfish. I didn’t at first but I kind of understand it now when you think about it for UGA’s long term future. This will bite in 2014 and my bet, in 2014’s draft Mr. Murray will be no better off. Still might not be drafted.
AltamahaDawg
January 7th, 2013
6:33 pm
What about 2017, how does this affect us then?
Tom Dial
January 7th, 2013
9:49 pm
Have to say I have mixed emotions. Aaron is superb, and he’s served UGA extremely well. UGA has served him pretty well, too. But I thought it was his time to make a million or two, along with his PhD in psychology. He’d be ideal as the backup for Christian Ponder in Minnesota. And I wanted Hutson Mason to get his shot. I see him as being another D.J., and that was pretty awesome for the Bulldogs.
Having said all that, Aaron Murry and the other fabulous returners just may give us the greatest offense we’ve ever had. Holy macherel, that could be fabulous.
Now, if Todd Grantham can get away from that ridiculous 3-4 defense, maybe we can stop the run and win 14 games instead of 12.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
AltamahaDawg
January 8th, 2013
8:25 am
What have you seen that makes you think that Mason would be anything like Shockley? Mason is a LOT closer to Joe Cox than he is DJ Shockley. And I say that in all due respect for Joe Cox. I still believe Cox to have been a really good QB. The guy had a touch on the long ball as good as any we have had, including Murray. His mistake were always short crossing patterns that he saw late and never should have throw. Decision making, not physical talent was his issue. Typically in an attempt to single handedly carry the team. A one year starter that have very little help around him. If he had Gurshall behind him, he’d have been WAY better off. And not giving up 30 on the other side of the ball would have helped him out too.
But he was no Shockley. Nor is Mason. That’s not a put down, its simply Apples and Oranges. There is a reason that Shockey got a lot of playing time despite being a backup, and others not so much.
Alabama will start 2013 as No. 1, but who’s apt to challenge? | Mark Bradley
January 8th, 2013
2:07 pm
[...] to South Carolina and LSU. The Bulldogs’ defense will be radically reconstituted, but with Aaron Murray’s decision to stay in school the offense should be even [...]