With Cornelius Washington suspended 2 games, is it now Ray Drew’s time?
With Cornelius Washington's suspension, 5-star freshman signee Ray Drew could be in position to step into the spotlight. (UGA photo)
Lots of things going on in the wake of Georgia’s 24-10 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. Of course, the big news was starting outside linebacker Cornelius Washington, who had served as defensive captain and starred in the game, getting arrested for DUI about 10 hours after the game was over.
As Tim Tucker reported, Washington is now going to be suspended “at least” for the upcoming road games against Tennessee and Vanderbilt. That’s obviously a major blow as Washington was playing his best ball and was emerging as perhaps the Bulldogs’ best pass rusher.
The question is, what happens now?
Fans have been calling all season to see more of five-star signee Ray Drew. One of the things that was holding back Drew, if you will, has been the stellar play of Washington. We’ll see very whether Washington’s suspension will automatically result in more playing time for Drew. You’d think it would, but defensive coordinator Todd Grantham coulld decide to shift some things around.
Here’s what coach Mark Richt had to say about Drew Sunday night:
“It’ll be an opportunity for him certainly. He’ll be part of the mix, as far as our discussions. Any time a guy goes out of the game, whether it’s by suspension or whatever it is, it always creates opportunities for guys. Will Ray be the sole beneficiary of that playing time or part beneficiary of it? I don’t know. That’s what we’ve got to decide. Some of it might be decided in practice as far as how their performance goes in practice.”
Drew will certainly get a hard look and likely will get more snaps. But chances are good that the starting nod will go to redshirt sophomore Chase Vasser. Vasser already has two starts under his belt and actually started the Ole Miss game ahead of Washington because of his superior ability to drop into pass coverage. Redshirt sophomore Reuben Faloughi will also get a hard look this week.
One thing that’s certain about playing the Vols on Saturday, Georgia will see a lot of passing. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray leads the SEC in passing at 332 yards per game and pass efficiency (176.1) with 14 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Meanwhile, Tennessee has allowed just 7 sacks in four games, third least in the league.
Said Richt: “There’s no doubt, they are very good at what they do. Tyler is very accurate, as you can see. He’s got a quarterback rating that may be the best in the country. I know he’s the best in our league. So it’s definitely going to be a great challenge for us.”
Here’s a rewind of everything we’ve written since Saturday’s game:
- OLB Cornelius Washington suspended 2 games for DUI arrest
- Game story: Georgia gets defensive in 24-10 win over Mississippi State
- Bradley: Dogs dominate but don’t dazzle
- Freshman Malcolm Mitchell catching on as wide receiver
- Georgia’s defense motivated by pregame taunt
- Georgia-Mississippi State rewind
- Postgame notes: Murray says 3 picks no cause for alarm
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417 comments Add your comment
ARdawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:07 pm
Altamaha
My reasoning is to let Murray watch the Georgia offense from the bench for a series or two. We have Mason and he can direct and run the offense (and needs to) while Murray reflects on his decisions. The logic that we have to have Murray on every offensive down is a faulty one
bucket
October 3rd, 2011
2:09 pm
@ Altamaha – I agree completely. Part of UGA’s problem is that we don’t play our entire roster. Letting Mason play a few series here and there has nothing to do with with Murray necessarily. Every team is one play away from being in Florida’s shoes. Also, IF Murray can’t fix his ball protection issues, we have a viable, experienced back-up.
NCBulldawg86
October 3rd, 2011
2:12 pm
And for all those SOB’s on here rambling about CMR and the handling of DUI’s, UGA is more strict when it comes to dolling out suspensions then any other team out there. I mean, even a MIP(underage drinking) results in a one game suspension, period. So, GTFO here with that BS about how all these kids should be kicked off the team. Such posers and trolls to have to come onto a Blog and spew disgust about a man who does more for these payers than many others. He punishes them with suspensions. Something that hurts the team and puts the onus of blame on the kid for making such a decision. Do you want to be the suspended player that might cost your team a chance to achieve the goals it set out to achieve? Floyd for ND doesn’t know what it is like to sit out a game for multiple drinking issues at ND. UT players don;t know suspensions for beating a cop senseless in Knoxville last year. The guy at Pittsburg does not know suspensions though he threw someone through a window. There are tons of thee stories out there where no suspensions were ever doled out, yet, CW, though having committed a crime of DUI, we by all accounts have no idea how whacked he was, and only are filling the blanks with the worst case scenarios.
CW made a mistake, he is paying the price, both legally and team wise, and will more than likely learn from this. Sorry, but if a cop asked every driver coming home from your schools stadium after a game, I bet many a folk would be driving “Under the Influence”, but go on their way with kids in tow, and many others equally as “impaired”.
Just hate reading ignorant comments made by folks trying to be ignorant.
Ogeechee Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:14 pm
Hate reading this about Washington …… the young adult made a mistake and needs to be accountable.
As far as replacement on the team – I do not care as long as the person playing has earned it on the practice field and work habits. If it is Vasser or Drew – I do not care. Let the best guy play.
@confused out west – are you kidding me? Let Hutson Mayson play after the pick six – talk about lifting the spirits of our competitor. Murray is the starter and the team started to bog down – this had more to do with defensive adjustments MSU made to shut down our run and our coaches did not counter. Hindsight being 20/20, where were the screens. the quick slants, the things Boise did????
The things we did to USCe when we picked up the tempo with a quick passing game. This quick passing game opened up some running room – which MSU was dedicated to shut down.
Now – to your point – Murray made some poor decisions in two of the throws. give MSU some credit – but Murray is a very good QB and hopefully this will benefit him down the road.
Throwing Mason in to the wolves during a momentum shift would have been nuts.
You are confused my friend for not understanding this – hence confused out west.
I am more concerned with our horrible field goal kicking success rate. under 50% for the year – bad snaps, etc. This will bite us – as it did in a 3 point loss to USCe and a missed 29 yeard field goal earlier in the game.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:14 pm
If this was a one time event (Murray’s carelessness with the football) he gets a pass. This like other Richt things is becoming a pattern, with no consequences. Don’t forget he had another fumble too, we just happened to get on top of that one.
Defense was excellent, as most predicted early in the year. Bobo still doesn’t seem to know how to offensively flow a football game. Fortunately we won so his poor choices of play calling are masked, JMO. Great to get a win, but I don’t see a dynasty being established at this point. I would imagine it’s like double dating with your sister.
DawginLex
October 3rd, 2011
2:15 pm
Beast
UGA is toying with me on the notion that I can actually win the bet with you.
I’m one game closer and you have to play LSU, Auburn, us, SC and FSU.
Looking better but with my schizo bunch, there are no guarantees.
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:16 pm
Absolutely. But you address that on Monday. Not with a quarter left in a real game.
I just don’t think that there is any danger of Murray ruining his game, or getting worse to leave him in a game. He needs to get better and that’s all I care about. We can speculate about maybe and what-if for a guy not playing sometime in the future.
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:18 pm
Mobile, Who would you have put into the games last year and replaced Murray, when he needed “consequences” for making mistakes?
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:19 pm
We were 1-4 this time last year, you are looking for the evidence of a Dynasty right now?
7576DAWG
October 3rd, 2011
2:19 pm
Washington registered a .12 after not drinking for a couple of hours. That means he had at 5 or more drinks before he got into his car. Going 92 after drinking that much. He is very fortunate because it’s hard enough controlling a car at 92 M.P.H. sober let alone drunk. My question is why would anybody be stupid enough to get into the car with him. Because this is his first offense he got 1 game for being drunk in public and one for D.U.I. He will have a lot to make up to his team when he gets back , hopefully he will be a better man for it. I think the punishment is fair since nobody got hurt and it was his first offense. It’s not excusable but everyone should be able to make a mistake and learn from it as long as it didn’t affect other people much.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:21 pm
I just have to disagree, I don’t think playing Mason a series or two a game hurts a thing, and I think it gets Murrays attention, allows him time to absorb his mistakes and possibly make better decisions. Three int’s and a fumble, it’s time to get his attention. Against good teams, USC, it loses the Eastern Division race and a shot at the SEC Championship.
Matt Skole
October 3rd, 2011
2:22 pm
Tech never suspended me!
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:23 pm
For all the picks that Stafford used to throw, and Im talking after he was the confirmed starter his second year, I never heard much speculating that we might see what somebody else “might” do. We left him in and he got better.
Beast from the East
October 3rd, 2011
2:23 pm
DawginLex,
I think it may well come down to the game in Jax. We will probably be 4-3 coming into that game because it appears we’ll be starting a true freshman QB on the road against LSU and Auburn. Although I didn’t think we would beat either Bama or LSU, I liked our chances against Auburn before Brantley’s injury. Oh well, all teams have to overcome injuries and suspensions.
Good luck in Knoxville this Saturday!
bucket
October 3rd, 2011
2:25 pm
Thanks Ogeechee Dawg – that needed to be said!!!
slydog
October 3rd, 2011
2:25 pm
Not so sold that UGA loses this game, unless there is another second half fizzle. This has been the hallmark of the team for 3 seasons. Tyler Bray has yet to win a game outside of Tennessee, so that doesn’t mean he is all-world exactly. Plus Justin Hunter is out. UGA and CMR should be extra motivated to take it to….Da’Rick Rogers, regardless of what they say. He jumped ship in an under handed manner.
DawginLex
October 3rd, 2011
2:25 pm
Mobile
That is a tough decision to make.
The QB is the leader of the offense and everything keys off of him. I think Murray would work well with Mason though and the team would respond if Aaron was all for them splitting time.
Problem is, the first time Mason screws up, then Richt gets thrown under the bus for playing him.
Remember Florida 2002? Shockley’s pick 6 was the turning point in that game. Not exactly the same situation but pretty close.
Wait til next year with Lemay in the mix.
Mark
October 3rd, 2011
2:26 pm
I have to agree with Ogeechee Dawg. For the real fans (and not trolls – read: rooster, 90, blah, blah, blah), putting Mason in during the wrong time would not produce desireable results. There are those that say he did so great, but WHO was it against? Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t he do not so great in the FL game last year? The time for breaking in new QBs is during blowouts, etc.
bucket
October 3rd, 2011
2:28 pm
Sorry, I meant to give kudos to NCBulldawg!!!!
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:29 pm
Perfectly sensible opinion Mobile, but I’m just saying….I think they know the kid well enough to figure out what “get’s his attention” best. Personally I don’t want his attention. (and lets be honest and call it what it is…..punishment) I want him getting better. I want the O-line getting better with him. I want the running game out there grinding it out, boring as hell, and protecting the lead. I want max reps getting ready for the bigger games coming up. He can absorb it in the film room when they look at it 17 times.
confused out west
October 3rd, 2011
2:29 pm
MobileDawg – while i agree with the course of action, I would support altamahaD’s idea that giving reps to Mason is NOT to teach Murray a lesson. He is a great guy, watches a TON of tape already, and really tried to do as well as he can. The problem is he is not getting better despite all of his best intentions and efforts. His inconsistancy is the only consistant thing he has done for both of his playing years.
We are not trying to be a dynasty now. We are just wanting consistancy. The defense has stepped up and done that for the most part. Now the OL and Murray need to follow suit. Maybe Mason could offer some consistancy at QB but we just simply dont know. We have a question – lets find out if we have the solution. The idea that time will tell (in regards to Murray working out the kinks) just doesnt seem to be working right now. Maybe that is bad QB coaching from bobo, maybe Murray is not the messiah everyone thought. I just believe you find out who is your best player by weighing the situation and getting players with promise REAL snaps.
DJ Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:29 pm
We have to realize that last year, AM had the best receiver in the SEC to throw to. Im sure there were alot of times that AJ went up and got the ball just because he was a better athlete then most. I havent seen any of our receivers step up and become the go to guy in any situation. I think that is why AM is struggling this year just because AJ could outplay any defensive player.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:30 pm
Well for the record I was talking about this year, not last year. This year we do have an alternative, not saying to replace Murray by the way, just send him a message. And who knows, Mason could be effective.
Dynasty? I believe I was saying we are improving, but still have a way to go.
gdawginkalamazoo
October 3rd, 2011
2:30 pm
AltaDawg, I don’t think Mel Kiper has ever referred to Murray as a future #1 draft pick in the NFL.
slydog
October 3rd, 2011
2:33 pm
I think what they need to do with Murray is not to run scripted plays and forcing him to think through too many progressions. The routes are too long. The WR’s are young and are not getting good separation. Tavares King never gets separation….lol. He just needs one or two reads and then give him an option. He needs a moving pocket. He needs to complete shorter throws like slants and crosses in order to get into a rhythm. It seems BoBo is forcing Murray to adapt to the playbook and not the other way around. Murray is to humble to buck the system and do his own thing, like Stafford or Shockley. This is verified by him locking on to receivers. But he isn’t a “thinking” QB like Greene either. He needs to be put into a position of making quick decisions, like simply throwing the damn ball away or when to take a sack, fundamental QB skills. But he can’t do that waiting 5 seconds for a pattern to develop or a 5-7 step drop.
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:34 pm
I was just assuming you meant over the course of time. SO where is the “pattern” staying with Murray despite him making mistake with no consequences this year? Are you suggesting that Richt should have taken Murray out of the SC game? surely not?
slydog
October 3rd, 2011
2:35 pm
Screw it. If Murray throws 2 more interceptions in a close game that are actually “his” fault or fumbles after a sack again, then put Mason in to finish the game. PERIOD!!!! Message loud and clear.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:36 pm
It’s all in the words and the intent, I prefer to call it “teaching” positive discipline, and making the right decisions (most of the time), not punishment. Anyone can have a mistake, or two, but his pace of turning the ball over is alarming.
Lex, I didn’t say replace him, or compete for playing time at this point. My quote was ” one or two series per game” so let’s not totally throw me under the bus.
UGA Insider
October 3rd, 2011
2:37 pm
I found myself rooting for The Gators Saturday night. I didn’t plan it that way but once I saw my old frat brother in trouble I couldn’t help it…I guess it reminded me of “old times”…. like the time I had to help him to the door at 5 Points Waffle House the night Spurrier and Chris Doering hung 50 on the Dawgs. His fellow students were yelling at him and throwing hashbrowns. Saturday night reminded me of that. Muschamp had that same look in his eye like…”what in the hell have I gotten myself into”?
90 proof
October 3rd, 2011
2:37 pm
Play Mr. 5 Star. He was the second coming last year according UGA fans.
TampaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:38 pm
R U Kidding me?
October 3rd, 2011
1:07 pm
Sorry. Just having a little fun. UGA fans are so sensitive about your team….I guess that’s all you have.
———————————————-
Says a guy spending his time posting on another team’s blog.
ARdawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:38 pm
Altamaha
It’s not about punishment IMO, it’s about getting his head in the game. Murray made a few pretty demn chitty throws that were not intercepted. I suppose what we are discussing is some fundamentally different approaches to coaching. Richt is the coach and I’m not should tell you something.
IMO, you can overlook mistakes and flaws to a degree but, when they begin to repeat themselves it is time for corrective action
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:39 pm
No, but I don’t think you swap philosophies, based on thier projected NFL draft status. IF staying in a game and working out problems was a good idea for Stafford, then I would just think that would be a good idea for others. Maybe more so, since they are relying on as much raw talent.
confused out west
October 3rd, 2011
2:39 pm
Ogeechee – this is not a 1 game rash decision to offer some playing time to another QB. I cant think of another coach in the league that wouldnt give the backup playtime after the starter threw 3 INTs including a pick six that put the other team in the game. This is also not just 2 bad throw decisions but two years of combined issues in big games and a downward trend in passer rating.
Again, up that much against a team that we are dominating on defense isnt a big risk IMO. Yes it may give the other team some hope but we havent been massively up in any game for a couple years (minus pointless ones). You are completely right that the playcalling could have helped Murray a lot and so could the line. That does not make up for his poor decisions. Even the coaches have said as much.
In short – my opinion is just that – an opinion. I stand by Murray as the starter but also see some real questions in him and some real potential in Mason. I dont belive that makes me confused about the issue Ogeechee, I believe that makes me have a different opinion than you…
DawginLex
October 3rd, 2011
2:39 pm
Mobile
not throwing you under the bus. just talking about it
My main point was that it is a tough decision and is loaded with pitfalls.
Almost no win unless Mason becomes Cam Newton(w/o the $$$$)
Chris
October 3rd, 2011
2:39 pm
Has anyone compared Stafford’s and Murray’s ratings? Its funny, I don’t recall near as much crazyness about Stafford’s consistent overthrowing of the receivers. To me, Stafford was nothing about the team and all about himself…some help he was. I would take Murray over Stafford anyday…
DawginLex
October 3rd, 2011
2:41 pm
Insider
I was rooting for the Gators too.
To get the living crap beat out of them.
Which is exactly what happened.
He is a Dawg but right now, he is a Gator and I want them to lose every single game.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:41 pm
Yes Altamaha, we are in a rebuilding year and all bets are off. I would have to go back and review the plays and reads Murray saw before I could really say about USC. The pattern is that Murray is turning the ball over at a rate that will cost us some football games against good teams.
I was surprised at the way we dominated MSU, our defense really has a chance to be good, but against a Bama or LSU should we make it that far, a couple of turnovers would probably kill us, aka UF vs Bama Saturday night.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:45 pm
Just messing with you Lex, I was pulling hard for Bama too. We need all the help we can get in the East.
ARdawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:45 pm
Stafford was rarely off target, quite the opposite. He struggle for his first two years with “touch” as in throwing a catchable ball for his receiver
RAMBLE ON!!!
October 3rd, 2011
2:48 pm
Tough day. After scoring only 45 points Saturday, GT is now #2 in the nation in scoring and total offense.
Oh well, at least we’re still 5-0.
Good luck against another average football team Saturday. Hopefully, you’ll do better than you did against USC.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:49 pm
Hindsight is always 20/20 and I missed the call on Cox. Stafford had all the tools obviously but I never thought he was that hard of a worker, or a good leader at Georgia. I thought Cox was going to have that fiery intangible that guys would follow up the hill. So much from my armchair position. Just expressing my thoughts and opinions. I’ve hit a few, and missed on a few. I thought Samuel had a real opportunity to shine at TB when he was switched, I’m glad we got IC, although most would agree he has a lot of areas needing improvement, mostly maturity issues.
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:50 pm
Mason going in is not “corrective”.
If it’s teaching or getting his attention, fine. Obviously a good idea. But you assume that taking him out for a series does that more so than all the teaching and attention getting during the sidelines, film room, practise field. I’m just not making that assumption.
TampaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:51 pm
AltamahaDawg, your 1:49 post hit the nail on the head. I laugh at the thought of putting Mason in after the pick 6 because then its a 2 score game. So let’s take a guy that people already know doesn’t have SEC experience and put him in in a situation where a mis-read on a defense, a high pass getting tipped, or even an pass behind a receiver can result in another pick 6 with an ensuing onsides kick on the way and we all know the special teams this year have been struggling as well. People are quick to point out the picks but quick to forget the drives that got them the 3 TD lead in the first place.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:51 pm
Ramble On, I’m praying you’re undefeated when we play. Not saying we’re going to whip you, but it would sure cause a lot of anxiety in the bug nation.
Les W. Moore
October 3rd, 2011
2:51 pm
Why are so many frosh playing on this team when the coach has had 10 years to build the roster?
AltamahaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:55 pm
Ah, that’s the “pattern”, huh. I must have misread that.
Not Really
October 3rd, 2011
2:56 pm
@90 proof, jawbone walks and jawbone talks, jawbone eats with a knife and a fork, i stuck jawbone in the jamb of the fence and i ain’t seen jawbone since.
TampaDawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:57 pm
RAMBLE ON!!!
October 3rd, 2011
2:48 pm
Tough day. After scoring only 45 points Saturday, GT is now #2 in the nation in scoring and total offense.
Oh well, at least we’re still 5-0.
Good luck against another average football team Saturday. Hopefully, you’ll do better than you did against USC.
——————————————–
Says the guy who’s team plays Maryland. By the way, 66th in points scored against for the GT Bugs.
Mobile Dawg
October 3rd, 2011
2:58 pm
Altamaha, you’re assuming that I’m assuming what “you” think I’m assuming. Follow that? Fact, he threw three picks, and had another fumble, so “obviously” the talking and teaching on the sideline, the film room, and practice aren’t having the desired effect. What I”m saying is that putting him on the bench for a few series a game is another option that coupled with what you said might help accomplish the results we’re all looking for. In addition, it gets Mason a “little” game experience, which we could need. We all know we’re one play away from Murray being unavailable.