Postgame notebook: Aaron Murray says 3 picks no cause for alarm
ATHENS – UGA President Michael Adams had a message for Aaron Murray in Georgia’s locker room following Saturday’s 24-10 win over Mississippi State.
After shaking the sophomore quarterback’s hand and telling him, “good job,” he leaned in and added with a wink, “Get the mistakes out of the way now because, down the road, then they’ll be gone.”
The Bulldogs can only hope, for Murray did not play like his normal safe-guarded self. He threw three interceptions, which doubled his total for the season. Murray had just eight interceptions all of last season.
“Just a couple of passes where I wasn’t as accurate as I need to be,” Murray explained afterward. “We were playing a great SEC team today and you’ve got to be pinpoint with every pass. You throw enough passes and great athletes are going to make a play on it. So I’ve got to continue working on my game and make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Murray’s pass efficiency has been the hallmark of his tenure as Georgia’s quarterbacl He was 14th in the nation as a freshman last season when he had a 154.48 rating with 24 TDs and just 8 interceptions. He entered Saturday’s game second in the SEC with a pass efficiency rating of 163.0 with 11 TDs and just 3 picks.
Murray said he didn’t think Saturday’s interceptions were the result of misreads or any sort of arm problems.
“It’s nothing mechanical at all,” he said. “I feel like I’m throwing the ball fine. It’s just I threw a couple of balls that weren’t in the exact spot or maybe I forced a ball here or there. I just can’t do that.”
Asked what he thought of his signalcaller’s performance, head coach Mark Richt said: “”Hot and cold. He’s getting knocked around too much. We didn’t protect well. We were improving on that issue but we regressed today.”
Meanwhile, the Georgia offense was limited to just 78 second-half yards after rolling up 237 yards and 21 points in the first half.
“I don’t think it was relaxing,” Murray said. “You’ve just got to make plays and we weren’t making them in the second half today anad that’s something we’ve got to do. But I think we’ll be fine. We’ve got too many playmakers on this team. We’ve just got to keep playing hard and play hard all 60 minutes.”
Christian Robinson returns
There was some question whether junior Christian Robinson would play at all Saturday. As it turned out, the Bulldogs’ “Mike” linebacker and defensive captain was on the field for virtually every important defensive snap.
“I played on our two-minute defense and every third down,” said Robinson, who estimated that totaled 25 plays. “They wanted me in there for communication mainly, especially on third down.”
The Bulldogs were especially good in those situations. Mississippi State finished 4 of 15 on third-down conversions.
Robinson was thought to be out for at least four weeks when he sprained his left ankle ij the final minutes of the South Carolina game. Instead, he missed just two contests. He finished with one tackle and a pass breakup.
Meanwhile, Michael Gilliard and Amarlo Herrera continue to fill in nicely with starters Robinson and Alec Ogletree sidelined. Gilliard led all defenders in tackles for the third consecutive week with 9. Herrera, a true freshman, added six and a tackle for loss.
Where was Crowell?
Numerous times throughout the game Georgia fans could be heard yelling for the Bulldogs to put Isaiah Crowell back in the game at tailback. The freshman from Columbus recorded his third consecutive 100-yard game with 104 yards on 22 carries.
But several times in critical situations he was on the sideline in favor of juniors Carlton Thomas or Richard Samuel. They combined for 63 yards on 17 carries.
“We have a certain rotation,” Richt explained. “I’m not interested in Isaiah getting 30 carries a game.”
Crowell, for one, doesn’t see to mind.
“That’s the way it needs to be,” he said. “I don’t think any running back can stay in the entire time. It’s all right with me.”
Still no ‘home runs’ for Crowell
Crowell thought he finally broken free for the long run he so wants. It looked like he had busted free for a 49-yard TD run on a sweep around left end in the first half Saturday. But officials ruled he stepped out on the 35-yard line. Georgia ended up losing yardage and had to punt the ball away.
“I just trusted my o-line, trusted my receivers, got around the end, saw some daylight and just went for it,” Crowell said. “I saw the sideline. I don’t think I stepped out but the referees call the game.”
Fourth and no-go
Once again, Richt erred on the conservative side as far as going for it on fourth downs. Twice the Bulldogs’ coach opted to forego the chance to go for a first down on fourth and short in the third quarter.
In one case Georgia punted on fourth-and-inches at its own 34. In the other, Richt opted to attempt a field goal on fourth-and-one at the Mississippi State 5. Drew Butler mishandled the low snap and the Bulldogs never even got off the 22-yard try.
Said Richt of the first: “It was third and inches and they didn’t make it. If you’re going to make it, make it on third down.”
As for the second: “I could see where fans wouldn’t be too excited about that. I don’t like being put in that position, quite frankly. Maybe I should have, I don’t know. But at that point my goal was to go up by three touchdowns.”
Injury report
Brandon Boykin injured when upended on Georgia’s kickoff return to start the second half. The tackle knocked out Boykin’s mouthpiece and his facemask raked down over his mouth win he landed, knocking some teeth loose and busting his lip.
Boykin returned for Gerogia’s third defensive series of the second half but left for short periods a couple of other times, including shortly before the end of the game. Richt seemed to think Boykin will be ready for the Tennessee game.
Also, starting strong safety Shawn Williams had to be helped off the field with a left arm injury at the 3:05 mark of the second quarter. He also was able to return and finish the game.
Offensive lineman Chris Burnette (knee) sat out for second straight week. He was the starter at right guard the first three games of the season. . . . Freshman cornerback Damian Swann was sidelined for a second week in a row with a groin injury. He started the Coastal Carolina game and played in all three previous game. . . . Backup wideout Israel Troupe did not play due to a bruised knee.
Etc. . . .
Blair Walsh missed another 48-yard field goal attempt. It was is sixth miss of the season. He had only five misses combined the previous two seasons. He’s now 6-of -12 on the year. . . With his 21-yard TD catch in the game’s opening three minutes, tight end Orson Charles now has a team best four touchdown receptions. . . . Cornerback Sanders’ Commings recorded his first interception of the season and fifth of his career. . . . Georgia doubled its sack total for the season and now has 10. . . .
Former Bulldog David Jacobs, whose career was cut short with a stroke, served as Georgia’s honorary captain for Bulldogs. . . . Longtime swimming and diving coach Jack Bauerle was recognized for his recent selection as Hartman Award recipient for 2011-12. The Hartman is the highest award UGA offers to former student-athletes.
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151 comments Add your comment
Tampa Dawg
October 1st, 2011
10:05 pm
Totally off script here, but has anyone heard from SSigator.
SSigator! Where you at boy? Start talkin’ that smack now. Your Lizards are getting’ spanked. Now go crawl in your hole!
Kramer
October 1st, 2011
10:10 pm
Well fortunately when Bama gets through with the Gators they’ll be lucky to field a team.
angry mangy mutt
October 1st, 2011
10:10 pm
The D appears to be as advertised. Eliminate the TDs given by the O and STs and the Dawgs are 4-1. If the OL played better than who knows how the BS game goes.
whatever
October 1st, 2011
10:11 pm
Just like with a pathetic Ole Missy team (who got beat by Vandy 30-7) – UGA beats another very weak team that nearly got beat by Lossie Tech last week. So what has UGA proved in the last 3 weeks?? NOTHING – they seem to beat only the weakling teams like Coastal Carolina, Ole Missy, and a very bad Missy State team. Too bad UGA doesn’t play LSU or Alabama.
angry mangy mutt
October 1st, 2011
10:20 pm
Murray is not too short. It doen’t help that he is not 6′4 but there are numerous qbs no taller and shorter than he is who have success…Vick and Brees are getting it down at the next level and remember Flutie and Garcia? He just may not have the right wiring (see brain typing) to handle specific situations. Once he gets rattled he generally stays rattled. He must be allowed to run around so that he can be more comfortable. I do like the improved velocity on his passes, it proves he is working hard to get better.
sandiegodawg
October 1st, 2011
10:23 pm
didn’t Brady throw some pics last week- it happens. The play calling does need to be mixed up, but glad the way our D showed up.
A tale of two halves
October 1st, 2011
10:30 pm
It’s obvious that Bobo called the 2nd half
what with Crowell hardly playing and not keeping the defense honest, but I have to wonder why the guy who called the first half didn’t call the whole game. He ran Crowell, and mixed in passes to keep the defense off balance, but my dawg, why would he turn the game over to Bobo for the 3rd and 4th quarters!!!
Dawg85
October 1st, 2011
10:38 pm
Great win today Dawgs, thanks for another great day in the classic city. Was so excited for Isaiah when he broke that long run for a TD only to have it brought back. It’s coming Isaiah and many more. Keep going Dawgs – proud to be a Dawg!!
That70sGAdawg
October 1st, 2011
10:38 pm
Great defensive play tonight. Malcome Mitchell has AJ hands. Crowell needs to turn it ON and get in better shape, and Murray needs to be sat down and give Mason a shot! Boo Boo stop running Carlton Thomas up the middle??
@ angry mangy mutt
October 1st, 2011
10:39 pm
I concur with your assessment, allow Murray to move around…move the pocket…Murray is fighting his natural instincts and the coaches are only using a portion of his abilities by making him stand in that pocket and take a beating…you are correct that he is a indeed 6′1″, no matter what the numskulls on here want to say or believe…I measured him myself the last time he was home and came by for a visit…got a lot more upper body mass too…
Mountain Dawg
October 1st, 2011
10:45 pm
So, Richt is “not interested” in giving Crowell 30 carries a game? I wonder if he is interested in keeping his job.
angry mangy mutt
October 1st, 2011
10:55 pm
@ 10:39
I just have never bought into a qb being too small. Not to say there is not such a thing, but there is quite a list of qbs who prove that wrong. It reminds me of those who claim in baseball that a pitcher throwing from a 3/4 arm slot or lower is less accurate and potentially more dangerous than one who throws over the top. The evidence is not there and yet they claim otherwise.
cmdawg99
October 1st, 2011
11:17 pm
Everybody plays U.
Idiot Dawg
October 1st, 2011
11:19 pm
Mr SSIgator does your tail hurt. Mr Saban looks like he is chewing all of it off. If any of it is left Mr Miles will get it next week.
Sorry Mr Beast & Flat Tire about your QB injury. I do not like it when players get hurt
Kyle M.
October 1st, 2011
11:33 pm
QB Murray is not a smart decision maker…..enough is enough !! Hutson Mason is Better !!
Sam
October 1st, 2011
11:36 pm
Where are all the Gator trash talkers at? I agree with Idiot Dawg, hate to see injuries out there no matter who the team is. Especially to key players such as a QB…that’s tough. Hope for Brantley’s sake that he returns since it is his final season, but if he does, hope it’s after Jax. I really like the Dawg D today, really held Miss. State the entire game. Impressive considering they are missing key players yet still proved themselves. Hope that Murray can improve on his accuracy and that Walsh returns to form. Malcolm Mitchell and Crowell are special players and their potential is limitless. GO DAWGS!
Timsee
October 1st, 2011
11:44 pm
Hutson is needed to play !!
DAWG with two bags over his head
October 1st, 2011
11:56 pm
Apparently Murray’s be reading and believing all of his pre-season hipe. Another regressive performance. What’s it going to take for Mason to get a few reps? Probably a new HC. Today was a golden opportunity for Murray to ride the bench in the fourth quarter and think about protecting the d*** ball (remember the FL game last season?)
Keith Stone
October 2nd, 2011
12:00 am
Where is the arrogant Tampagator? Funny how you aren’t on here spewing your infinite wisdom when ur team just got beat like a drum. That was sad, not!
Tater Tot
October 2nd, 2011
12:01 am
Yayy !!!…Florida got their ass handed to them on a silver platter. Now ya’ll go talk sh*t
Steve
October 2nd, 2011
12:15 am
Wow…Gators got manhandled in a big way even before Brantley got hurt. Talk about a drubbing… Wonder where all the Gator fans are? Are they on the Gator blogs lamenting their loss? Kind of ironic that some fans were on here talking about how Murray would be carried off the field when the Dawgs and Gators meet up in Jax. Careful what you say, karma can be a b****. Hope the Brantley kid recovers though & I wish him well.
Dawgs65
October 2nd, 2011
12:30 am
“I’m not interested in Isaiah getting 30 carries a game.”
Er…why?
Scott
October 2nd, 2011
12:33 am
Gators got exposed in a big way. I called a drubbing of the Gators by the Tide weeks ago and that it was. I thought Boise spanked us…but a 28 point loss is downright pathetic. They are likely to see 4 losses in a row with Brantley out. Driskel has a great arm and can run, but his accuracy is way off. I think that he will ultimately be a good QB for the Gators though.
Jordan
October 2nd, 2011
12:33 am
http://isportsweb.com/2011/10/02/georgia-beats-miss-state-24-10/
Thomas Brown
October 2nd, 2011
1:28 am
SOUTHGADAWG88,
You were asked, sir, to explain why Aaron Murray should not be set down, to explain why Isaiah Crowell has no stamina in the 2nd half, to explain why Aaron Murray had 3 interceptions 2 fumbles 3 times Aaron Murray settled for field goals 2 sacks 8 penalties by the offense who by the way didn’t do anything in the 2nd half having now beat 3 of the sorriest football teams in the nation with no good team on the schedule and where was Aaron Murray on his pick 6 with his world-class dual-threat qb with great legs under him that he was so out-run by the guy downfield who then blew his doors off leaving Aaron Murray skipping behind him as he trotted into the end zone on 1 of the 3 Aaron Murray Interceptions on this day ?
After Carlton Thomas scored in the 2nd quarter, we put up all of 3 points. Can you explain that ?
Missy State cannot pass their way out of a wet paper bag, our defense handed the ball back to our offense all afternoon long, all afternoon, and our offense not only puts up only 3 points after Carlton Thomas’ TD in the 2nd Quarter, but gave up a TD on offense AGAIN this week.
Aaron Murray on the season is 36 rushes for minus – 48 yards.
Aaron Murray 6 interceptions in 5 games including the 3 worst teams in America Coastal Carolina, Ole Miss and Missy State.
Aaron Murray has 7 fumbles in 6 games including 3 worst teams in America.
Aaron Murray has lost to every team finishing in AP Poll Top 25 entire career.
Aaron Murray has lost to 2 more teams who did not finish in the AP Poll Top 25.
Aaron Murray just had his worst day ever.
The worst player on Georgia’s Defense, is Aaron Murray.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
October 2nd, 2011
2:39 am
Murray’s had clearly contributed to the South Carolina lost if not actually caused it. He seem to get tired or something after the first half. He needs to be rested either in the third quarter or the fourth. And UGA cannot afford not to have a less experienced QB particularly with the quality of OL it has. Look at UF now.
Thomas Brown
October 2nd, 2011
4:46 am
Who is at fault for Florida’s crudola of a passing game ? They got lucky on that 1st play, and never duplicated it in the remaining 59 minutes and 45 seconds. Florida can’t pass the football and the vols cannot run it. And, neither one of them have any special teams. The difference in Florida and the vols, is the vols don’t have any defense either. Neither Florida, nor the vols, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vandie or Georgia – none of us have beat a soul under the sun. You can add Georgia tek to that list too. Man did we have an easy schedule this year. Certainly blew it against South Carolina the way the game was just handed to them by the poor play in the South Carolina game of – no Drew Brees – little Aaron Murray,
Dawged
October 2nd, 2011
7:22 am
Now I know why UGA and CMR have had a run of bad luck in the last couple of seasons.Do not let Adams near the locker room or the players.He is a evil person and should have never been hired as UGA President.He is a major liability to to the University and the State..Some of his lackey”s need to tell him he is hurting the team with his appearence”s and to stay away. I look forward to the day he is no longer in Athens.
Go Dawgs!
UGASlobberknocker
October 2nd, 2011
7:34 am
Maybe Murray doesnt think 3 picks is a big deal, but I do..He needs to step it up or lets put in Mason or LeMay and see if they can maybe complete 2 passes in a row.
mgdawg
October 2nd, 2011
7:50 am
We have a certain rotation? If a guy is hot, put him on the field. I know you don’t need to run a guy into the ground in the first half, but when it is third and short and a clear running situation, stick in your best back. When you’re trying to run the clock out at the end of the game, put in your best back. Eventually UGA is going to be in a close game against a better team and will need to run the clock out, crowell needs to be in there.
In the offseason crowell needs to really focus on his stamina/endurance. I really think that is going to be the difference in him being a good back and a great back. I don’t see lattimore on the sideline when USC is trying to run the clock out or get one yard. I want to see crowell begging richt to put him back on the field, not telling richt take him off the field because he needs to catch his breath.
Thomas Brown
October 2nd, 2011
7:51 am
Agreed. He was # 55 in 3rd Down Conversions last season and is # 69 in 3rd Down Conversions this 2011 season. He now has 14 interceptions in 18 games with 16 fumbles, and has lost 9 of the 18 games, where all 9 of the losses were where the is no question the other QB head-to-head that day out-performed him.
Macclenny_dawg
October 2nd, 2011
7:53 am
We will never put a game away until the final minute. This coaching staff of bobo and Richt have no killer instinct. Richt just keeps saying if u want to make a 1st down make it on 3rd and short??? Last time I checked we get 4 downs to make a 1st down. 4th down doesn’t have to be a punt!!! All great teams have to go for it on 4th down sometimes!!! Where is any of the promises from Bobo and Richt about using Big John Jenkins on 3rd and short??? Does any of the Richt fans think that Florida, Alabama, or Lsu think they would not have beat our last two opponets by scores of at least 40-10!!! I know the final score does not matter as long as you win but our backups could be on the field by the 4th quarter and getting valuable playing time. It would also have our staters not risk injury!!! Ever since RIcht has been here even in the 1st few years our teams have only played 1 good half of football!!! The last few weeks it has been the 2nd half!!! You want to give our players alot of confidence then coach like we have some!!! My scariest thoughts of this season could come true!!! We win 9 games and we let Richt stick around!!! Folks i love my Dawgs and will support them but if we ever want to win another championship we have to GATA the whole game not sit on a lead!!! RICHT AND BOBO ARE YOU LISTENING!!!
Thomas Brown
October 2nd, 2011
7:56 am
No Richt and Bobo are not listening; they are praying.
dawg67
October 2nd, 2011
8:04 am
Two areas of concern as Dawgs move forward:
* Not sure Murray can read defenses. If he doesn’t improve it will lead to a couple of defeats down the road.
* Five games into the season and I am sick of Crowell signaling to the sideline, asking to be taken out of the game. His post game comment “if I am tired or have an ache” I request to come out. I realize it is a big jump from Class AA in high school to the SEC and he has probably received more hits in five games than his entire senior year at Carver, but this is a big boy league. Crowell is a 5 star recruit and If he doesn’t like the pounding you take as an SEC tailback, maybe he should transfer to to Agnes Scott and play flag football with the girls.
Thomas Brown
October 2nd, 2011
8:27 am
I’d like to do that
chs
October 2nd, 2011
8:47 am
Yeah, and Blair Walsh’s missed field goals are no cause for alarm either.
macon dawg
October 2nd, 2011
8:48 am
Richt doesn’t like being put in those positions of having to go for it on 4th and 1 from the 5 I thought that is what coaches get paid for. Stadium was flat and needed something to get fired up about and after last years bowl game and this years start I would think this was a no brainer. No fan would have bad mouthed Rict if they would’t have gotten the first and it shows both your off. and def. you trust them. Terrible move. Come on Richt you are better than that. Move Samuel to fullback some and let him hit the hole a little sooner on short yardage.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
October 2nd, 2011
8:57 am
For the sake of some linguist fans—- correction to my earlier comment – South Carolina loss…. not lost
ADDED RESPONSE TO ABOVE: Is it possible that ADAMS is in a HOT SEAT as well??????
Dawg Tired
October 2nd, 2011
8:58 am
I loved the outcome of the game-Dawgs win! The defense seems to have found their stride and continue to improve week to week. Other than the soft middle zone coverage against Boise State, they have played very well. The offense seems to have a lot of play makers, but seem to play disjointed (play calling). Aaron Murray is a great kid, but he needs to stop staring down his receivers. His eyes are bringing the safeties or other defenders to the play on most of his picks. He will get better and the Dawgs will win at Tenn.
Go Dawgs!
BullDogMike
October 2nd, 2011
9:49 am
Just a couple of observations…….when are we going to show some intestinal fortitude and go for a fourth down and inches? CMR says they need to get it on third down if they don’t want to kick it. Well, that’s all well and good if you are in control of the game,like yesterday. Wait until a huge game is on the line (Florida comes to mind). We need to have been successful at this a few times already. And I really like the Murray kid, but these picks he’s throwing will get us killed next week in Knoxville. Mason needs to play a lot more if for no other reason then Murray is always only one play away from being out for the year. Florida found this out themselves last night. I Just don’t understand CMR’s coaching style.
Dawg85
October 2nd, 2011
9:56 am
Good job Dawgs! Thanks for another gereat day in the classic city. Hated to see Isaih’s run caleed back, patience man, theere’s gonna be plenty coming. Keep up the work Dawgs! HBTD! Go Dawgs!
LHarding Dawg
October 2nd, 2011
10:04 am
Great win! The Georgia Dawgs did enought to win an SEC game by two td’s. Coach’s Richt, Bobo, & Grantham all had a solid day. Murray made a couple of bad throws that I’m sure he will be working on this week. Everybody healthy. They should be in good shape to get a win next weekend.
LHarding Dawg
October 2nd, 2011
10:08 am
Win or lose, the haters never seem to go away.
DDAWG
October 2nd, 2011
10:08 am
Seems we are back the Van Gorder days where the D keeps us in games as the O struggles. Until CMR has the stones to replace BOBO we are sentenced to a life time of mediocrity.
joe
October 2nd, 2011
10:08 am
So Aaron you think the three pixs are not anything to worry about? How about the games youcost us vs florida and carolina. 7 points. 21 points. Hey moron miss st is not the so called great team. Ut will eat us alive with your crap. Cmr needs to give mason a chance. Murray is no all sec qb. Murray still can’t beat a team with a winning record.
LHarding Dawg
October 2nd, 2011
10:12 am
Joe = Unremarkable person who needs a life. Be a supporter, not a hater.
Rotten in Denmark
October 2nd, 2011
10:34 am
Due to injuries (Brantley and Demps) and the two game death march of Bama/LSU, UF may need to kiss any thoughts of an SEC-E title good-bye. And if Jeckyll&Hyde Garcia continues his trend, USCe may also see it slip away.
If the above happens, UGA will have genuinely BACKED IN to the East. But, true to our form and to the life calling of our illustrious “winning isn’t important to me, whether or not people think I look handsome is what’s important to me” anti-Coach, we will do everying in our power to fritter it away.
Let’s be sure to throw lots of INTS to Auburn & UF. Let’s fumble 6 or 7 times, including at least two for give-away touchdowns to Vandy and UT. And let’s be sure to muff at least every other field goal, and we’ll get lots of chances at that b/c we will go a FG even if it’s 4th down and a 16th of an inch on the 2 yard line.
And then there’s the penalities. We want two kick returns for TDs called back – one for holding and one for block in the back.
And don’t forget the many suicidal ways we can blow the game with poor clock and time out management. C’mon Coach, better hit the books. You’ve got lots of screw-ups and bumbles to practice before you get them all to perfection.
Ga Wins
October 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
Crowell, for one, doesn’t see to mind.
“That’s the way it needs to be,” he said. “I don’t think any running back can stay in the entire time. It’s all right with me.”
Doesn’t sound like a Heisman candidate to me.
Augusta Dawg
October 2nd, 2011
10:52 am
Good win against an SEC opponet. Continue to win UGA. I hope these stupid comments about go for it on 4th and 1. And play an unproven QB over a two year starter are not a reflection of bulldog nation. Hire Dan Mullen now, CMR is the worst coach in the SEC. Just a couple of stupid post I have seen on this site. Not UGA fans I think more like Gators and Jackets posting dumb comments. At least thats what I hope.If not learn to support your team and it’s coaches through good and bad times. GO DAWGS!!!!!
funny...
October 2nd, 2011
10:52 am
I’ve been saying this since last year.
PLAY HUTSON MASON.
I was getting killed by you idiots earlier in the year for saying this. How do you like Murray now.
He’s terrible. Again yesterday, throwing high and behind receivers. His entire career he has yet to “lead” a receiver.
Hutson is going to transfer and Georgia is going to lose the best QB to come out of the state of Georgia in the last few years. So imagine this. Georgia will lose to LSU QB’d by the rapist Mettenberger and lose to Tennessee QB’d by the scorned Hutson Mason.
I hate Richt but I really hate Bobo