Should Bulldogs play QB Hutson Mason on regular basis?
Quarterbacks Aaron Murray (11) and Hutson Mason (14) look on at the end of last year's loss at Auburn. (AP photo)
Hope you saw the football notebook I filed late yesterday that included an item on Georgia’s coaches being pleased with the play of Hutson Mason to the point of considering playing the sophomore quarterback from Marietta on a more regular basis.
Loading ...To be clear, the comments of head coach Mark Richt, which you’ve read, and those of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo, which you’ll find below, were responses to questions directed to them by reporters. So it’s not like they came out this week and volunteered that they’d like to get Mason more playing time.
But the whole point of the line of questioning is that coaches and players have spoken so glowingly of Mason since the beginning of camp in August that it merited more exploration. And, as you’ll see, there is very little retreat to be found in the coaches’ replies.
So here’s what Bobo had to say last night after the Bulldogs’ “Bloody Tuesday” practice at Woodruff Practice Fields:
On Mason’s performance to date . . .
“Hutson’s done just a fantastic job all camp of continuing to make plays. We told him we were going to put him in no matter what this last game as an opportunity to show what he could do and there could be some things in the future for him. You’d like to play a guy a series a game or so. You never know but he’s a guy we’d like to get in there. He’s played well. I have no doubts he can go in there and play well. He had an outstanding practice [Tuesday] and that’s going to help his cause.”
On the Shockley-Greene comparison . . .
“Hutson is a little bit different than Aaron. He’s more of a — I don’t want to say spread-type quarterback because Aaron ran spread in high school, too — but Hutson, he’s likes to spread it out and dink it around. He has a really quick release, throws with a nice touch and has really, really good vision of what’s going on. He probably couldn’t tell me everything Aaron can if I graded them on saying it the way I say it or things like that. But when the ball is snapped the kid can see it and puts it on the money.”
On whether more playing time awaits Mason . . .
“I’m always talking to him about opportunities. You’re always practicing and playing for an opportunity. He had a chance to play for the opportunity to play again last week and that’s what he’s trying to prove, that he deserves to play in a ballgame. He’s helping himself with the way he practices.”
Just for comparison sake, here’s what Richt had to say about the quarterback rotation when asked about it at his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon:
“Right this second I wouldn’t want to make a comment on that. We haven’t really gone any further with that discussion, not to say we won’t before the week is over. I’m talking about Mike Bobo and myself. But Hutson is practicing well, he’s playing well. He really runs our system well, and he’s earned playing time in my mind. How we’ll manage that, I’m not ready to make any promises I can’t keep.”
Here’s a quick statistical comparison. Obviously Murray has played much more and faced much stiffer competition to date:
- Murray — 16 games, 262-426 (61.5%), 3,721 yards, 33 TDs, 9 INTs,
- Mason — 5 games, 15-26 (57.7%), 170 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Also, Murray is 6-foot-1, 211 pounds; Mason is 6-3 and told me recently he’s now over 200 pounds. No sense in getting into rushing stats — Murray’s are skewed by all the sacks this season — other than to say that Murray (87 yards, 5 TDs) is more mobile and a better overall runner than Mason (0 yards, 1 TD).
So, today I’d like to hear from you. Is playing Mason more something you’d like to see prioritized? Or does the circumstances of his appearances skew his abilities? Should the Bulldogs leave well enough alone and be satisfied that they have a backup in which they have great confidence? Or do they need to be sure to keep Mason happy and well-oiled by finding a way to play him regularly a la D.J. Shockley-David Greene?
Please take a minute to vote on the poll above as well as providing your comments.
– Chip Towers
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405 comments Add your comment
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 21st, 2011
3:38 pm
The ost popular player on the team is always the backup QB
When things are not going well you always blame the QB
Yesterday the Hamilton blog many people spoke of how classless Dawg fans where for bashing Hamilton. Does the same hold true for those bashing AM and wishing for Hudson? Heck AM is still in Athens! He is giving his all in competing and trying to get this thing turned around and a bunch of you yellow bellys are moaning for the backup QB. That is exactly what the AJC tried to get and you tools fell for it.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 21st, 2011
3:39 pm
“most” popular…
NCDawgs fan
September 21st, 2011
3:39 pm
Why does this pot need to be stirred. Quit trying to second guess coaches or plant seeds of doubt in the public perception. If Mason is good enough and brings something to the table that Murray does not, then he will get time. If Murray is off on a particular day and doesn’t seem able to work through it, then Mason will play. Just because he has done well in practice and against a FCS opponent does not mean we should be rotating QB’s.
DTC
September 21st, 2011
3:41 pm
Kyle, because of the loses and the dumb plays he makes. This was supposed to have been a breakout year for Murray. Several on here have stated that Murray seems to have regressed. I agree with that statement. Last year, it appeared that the coaches did not know how good Murray was. This year, not sure what his issue is.
MountainDawg
September 21st, 2011
3:42 pm
Hutson is a better passer (more pocket savvy), but Murray is more agile & allusive. I think either could start & have talent.
gdawginkalamazoo
September 21st, 2011
3:43 pm
ATL Sports Fan, sure this armchair QB knows that most routes are timing routes.
Altough he hasn’t done a lot this year I think Marlon Brown will be finishing strong once his ankle heals up. As I mentioned I know that Murray has been under the gun so far. I am hoping that the CC game gave our OL a breather and the new kids some playing time. I guess I heard one of the commentators on one the games mention that this is the largest O-line we have ever had at UGA?
okay, you idiots, listen up !
September 21st, 2011
3:43 pm
Aaron Murray is NOT 7-9. The team is 7-9 since he became the starter. The defense was suspect last year, the best receiver in team history missed 25 percent of the season, the defense was not very good, and football is a team game. If the line sucks, the team won’t be good. if the backfield is no good, neither will the team be. If special teams suck, the team will struggle. if the receivers struggle, the team will. etc…. that’s why no one, outside of ESPN, is serious about a quarterbacks’ ‘record’ as a starter. It ain’t baseball.
puget dawg
September 21st, 2011
3:43 pm
NCDawgs – I would offer that the concern is that if murray is off on a particular day, Richt will NOT play mason. Also, if Mason is doing well in all play so far, should we not encourage that by at least giving him some series during games like this one coming up? I am NEVER saying that Murray is bad at all, just trying to figure out a way to get “our best weapons” on the field
NCDawgs fan
September 21st, 2011
3:44 pm
Competition is a great motivator. Who’s to say that there isn’t some coaching psychology behind all of this. Also, I believe everyone might agree that Bobo’s play calling does not put Murray in position to be successful at times.
SSIgator
September 21st, 2011
3:47 pm
NCDawgs fan -
“Who’s to say that there isn’t some coaching psychology behind all of this.”
Seriously, from this coaching staff? You have got to be kidding.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 21st, 2011
3:47 pm
Also, how about give AM a little time to drop back in the pocket. Might help him just a little bit if when he takes that three step drop he immediately doesn’t have to run for his life. The OL is responsible for the issues thus far on offense. That is the reality, but that doesnt drive AJC blogs.
JRW7
September 21st, 2011
3:50 pm
YES, let Mason play, Murray does not play well in big games!
AltamahaDawg
September 21st, 2011
3:51 pm
And Mason does?
bugsquacher
September 21st, 2011
3:52 pm
spiff… I stand by my earlier evaluation, you’re an idiot….
When I team is out of control, not performing well, not producing the expected wins, then evaluations should happen and the root cause should be determined. If you peel back the onion on this one, it points to one thing…. COACHING STAFF. Im not bad mouthing the team, only pointing out the performance over the past two years. The facts speak for themselves. The record speaks for itself. This program has problems and concerns that need to be addressed now. The record points to it getting worst instead of better. Wins over 2nd tier schools dont amount to anything. The powers that be need to decide can the current coaching staff turn this program around? I can tell you most true Georgia fans are concerned. The current coaching staff is provided with the best money can buy, with regards to facilities. The fan support and contributions to the program are some of the best in the nation. The writing is on the wall, its time for a change. If not a change in coaches, then what? You tell me, you seem to be the rocket scientist…… put that cookie in your milk and suck on it…..
Spaceman Spiff
September 21st, 2011
3:52 pm
JWR7, so Murray doesn’t do well in big games? Is it Murray’s fault, or are the defenses better in those games? That said, if the defenses are better, then is it still Murray’s fault that the O-line isn’t up to task, or is the O-line so dominant that Murray never was hurried/hit/sacked?
kybodawg
September 21st, 2011
3:52 pm
he should get some playing time when it means something, so he will have the confidence of the players and coaches to play when murrary is having a bad game.
theevilone
September 21st, 2011
3:53 pm
I’m confused. I thought murray was the greatest QB to grace the SEC…ever! Everyone on BSPN and here locally told me so. So….what gives????????
Mr Murray
September 21st, 2011
3:54 pm
At the beginning of the season you were all saying my boy is the top qb in the sec. You georgia people need to figure out where you stand, you bunch of flip-floppers
Dee
September 21st, 2011
3:58 pm
Play Mason. Murray either throws too soft or overthrows his WRs on the regular. He’s spooked due to his o-line.
doug dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:01 pm
what would dan mullen do? probably be 0-3 like he is now. a flash in the pan, as they say, and, hopefully never uga’s coach.
sldkfjslk
September 21st, 2011
4:03 pm
Murray isn’t the problem. The fact our five can’t block their four is. The fact that we were so low on scholarship players this year that we gave 7 or 8 walk ons a free ride is. No wonder we have no depth at oline, linebacker and running back. Our program is in poor shape for one that is in its 10th year under the same person. Time to for a change, but not a quarterback.
Reality Check
September 21st, 2011
4:05 pm
Aaron Murray is an All-Sec quarterback. Hutson Mason is a talented, yet unproven backup. Enough said..
RxDawg
September 21st, 2011
4:07 pm
Well I certainly think they should develope Mason. Let him get a series or two, especially if Murray is strugeling. But if Murrary is the annoited one, then they should stick with him for the majority of the plays.
gdawginkalamazoo
September 21st, 2011
4:07 pm
We have too much QB talent. Blame CMR for that too.
KalliDogg
September 21st, 2011
4:08 pm
Best QB for the UGA football team.
For my 3 cents (inflation), Mason looks sharper. His reads are quicker. His release is far quicker. And his POCKET management (a place where Murray, unfortunately, really suffers) is exceptional.
Murray seems a little down. Throwing into coverage. Missing open receivers by 10 yards (air borne). Retreating in the face of the rush rather than using the pocket and checking down one more level. Difficulty picking up the blitz (that it’s coming, recognition again).
He just looks off to me. It happens. Doesn’t mean he’s not a nice young man. This is major college sports. It’s not T-Ball where everybody plays and the score doesn’t matter. If he’s “the man” as some suggest, then I suggest he would respond to the challenge and take his game up a level.
When did competition become a bad thing?
RxDawg
September 21st, 2011
4:09 pm
“Murray isn’t the problem. The fact our five can’t block their four is. The fact that we were so low on scholarship players this year that we gave 7 or 8 walk ons a free ride is. No wonder we have no depth at oline, linebacker and running back. Our program is in poor shape for one that is in its 10th year under the same person. Time to for a change, but not a quarterback.”
For the most part, this post is right on the money. Our biggest problem right now is that our O-line is playing aweful. We’ve got a gaurd playing tackle and the rest of just meh. The best play we’ve gotten so far has come from the young pups on the line… which is a good omen for the future.
ROCK STEADY FREDDY
September 21st, 2011
4:10 pm
Let the boy Rock Steady, just like Ol’ Freddy! AaROOF!
SickandTired
September 21st, 2011
4:10 pm
ATL Sports fan….I’m glad to know you got a 2002 Championship ring…and meaning no disrespect, while I wasn’t on the team, someone who was told me that DJ didn’t get any snaps in practice with the ones and this was a guy who would know. So unless you were in the Butts-Mehre washing clothes, I’ll believe this guy.
Buck Blew
September 21st, 2011
4:11 pm
Are you serious? Murray has Heisman written all over him. Murray is the next Buck Blew……the only Dawg QB to win a national title.
WDE
September 21st, 2011
4:12 pm
@bugsquacher sorry I hate to follow the pack, but this time they are right your a moron…and a long winded one at that I think you might be related to Thomas Brown aka Bull Dawg etc. If UGA wins by 100 the rest of the season you’ll be upset with Parking, the music the Band plays, if Murray wins the Heisman you’ll say they were just playing up to the midget crowd etc…someone earlier said it best just STFU.
1953dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:12 pm
Richt has never been able to make a decision when it counted during his 10 year regime, why would anyone expect him to make a rational decision as it relates to talent evaluation now. His lack of ability to make a decision has cost him his job, so don’t look for him to make one now. Look what he and his brilliant coaching staff have done to 3 former 5 star recruits(Smith, Samuel,and now Drew). They have ruined Smith and Samuel, and they are beginning to do the same to Drew. My GOD, McGarity, stop this nonsense, and end this. How many more talented players does this pathetic coaching staff have to ruin by playing them out of position? You can throw Garrison Smith, Mike Thornton, and T.J. Stripling in there as well. This is the worst coaching staff in the SEC when it comes to making rational decisions, and this decision or lack of one regarding Mason is nothing new. The NIGHTMARE in athens continues.
NCDawg
September 21st, 2011
4:15 pm
I think Mason should be given some snaps if for no other reason than to have him game ready if Murray is hurt. The coaches pulled Murray’s teeth last year when they guilted him into not taking off and using his mobility to hurt defenses. After a few games showing off the wheels all you heard was how he was going to get killed by CMR and CMB. They pulled his teeth because there was no backup available if he did go down. Now Mason is ready and needs to play enough to be game ready. Let Murray do his thing. The results will be a a QB that doesn’t second guess taking off. Murray is a natural mobile passer. Let him run. I bet his confidence will soar.
WDE
September 21st, 2011
4:15 pm
@1953dawg would you like some whine with that cheese ?
Prozac Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:18 pm
never hurts to have your backup prepared. Play Mason when it counts so hew can get a feel for the game. Don’t know how Murray would respond if Mason comes in because of bad QB play but a little competition might be good. Wonder what it would be like if CMB had some.
Really Haters??
September 21st, 2011
4:18 pm
Really?? Is this the best you can do?
dogbone
September 21st, 2011
4:20 pm
Mason should play more….Just look at how Joe Cox played after Stafford….. Was he ready??????? NOT!!!! More of Bobo’s sub-par coaching……….
Prozac Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:21 pm
Doesn’t Bobo have a year of eligibilty left? Just saying!
GoVols
September 21st, 2011
4:22 pm
I think the real questions should be, “Which coach does Mason want to play for in 2012?” — He should be involved in the interview process. BTW, did you hear that Houston Nutt is available for next year too?
Prozac Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:23 pm
What about Skip Holtz for 2012?
Gary
September 21st, 2011
4:24 pm
I say put him in when the opportunity is right to prepare him and protect Murray from a stupid injury. If we are getting kiled and Murray getting crushed take him out. If we are winning big take him out. Next year we will have one more QB fighting for the number 2 spot.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
September 21st, 2011
4:24 pm
Spaceman Spiff & DawgByte; I was building up to put “Bug Breath” in his place(wherever the hell that may be) but you two did so well I don’t beleive I can top either of you. Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I beleive the AJC clowns are working overtime to give trolls like Bug Breath an opportunity to ridicule our coach, players and DAWG NATION in general(Anything to sell a half-a$$ newspaper) The AJC is doing great harm to DAWGNATION along with the help of the Trailer Park Brigade. No true UGA fan is going to continue the drivel that we see on here but with the economy like it is they probably have nothing better to do than a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and their wives/sisters/female cousins handling their slimey contributions(non-typers, all of them) for them. When the PBR runs out and they remember the trailer payments are 6-8 months behind. we get to see what they are like in real life. I’m betting every one of them was in “Deliverence”.
jasperdog
September 21st, 2011
4:27 pm
I was in the stands and saw Mason’s first pass which was a beautiful spiral, right on the money for a touchdown. I think he may be more accurate and can get it out of there quicker, which is something we could use considering the struggles of the O-line. Murray is very likable, but I believe Mason’s has earned a shot. The best player should play and he deserves an opportunity to prove he is that guy.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
September 21st, 2011
4:28 pm
GoVols; I heard that Lane Kiffin’s contract has been bought out by you hillbilles and he will be back in K-Town next season.
BallCoach
September 21st, 2011
4:30 pm
Years ago Georgia would play their # 2 QB a couple series each game giving them some valuable expereince. I have not seen that happen for many years at UGA and when QB’s graduate or leave early the next QB has little or no experience. After Stafford we had little QB experience then when Murray came in with no experience.
Play the #2 QB every game giving him experience.
Prozac Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:30 pm
@Brainiac,
No one reads this drivel but us. I just tune out the garbage and read the posts that may contain some ‘brain food’ (just for you). I think you are right about ‘Deliverance’. Occasionally, someone will create poetry with their musings and that is worth reading, too.
powerhouse?
September 21st, 2011
4:31 pm
daugs better play LsMar before his daddy transfers him.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 21st, 2011
4:32 pm
jasperdog,
Easy for Mason to hit that SW when you are up 10 strokes on the 18th hole.
Prozac Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:32 pm
@Ball Coach,
Probably years ago we were far enough ahead in the game to allow the #2 Qb to play without worry.
Idiot Dawg
September 21st, 2011
4:38 pm
I sure do like Coach Bobo. He is a lot of fun. I watch the game on TV with my brother Smart Dawg. I guess what plays the Coach will run and I always guess better than my brother. It is so much fun.
slydog
September 21st, 2011
4:40 pm
I can’t believe Chip got bored today…lmao. This has turned into a five page wasteful conversation on the most unheard of, un-talked about QB controversy in lala land in the ninth dimension. And the real kicker is, half the folks commenting on here are rooting for a change at QB or getting Mason some more snaps in games after fricken 2 GAMES OF THE SEASON!!!!!! I actually thought we had adult conversation this blog, not video game roster roulette.