Dawgs enter bye in control of destiny

Rob Saye

A week and a win over South Carolina later, the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs’ loss to Clemson seems like an eternity ago. Their victory last Saturday against South Carolina essentially means that the Dawgs are still alive in the race for the National Championship and also have an early lead in the SEC East division.

Most experts assumed Georgia’s offense would be formidable in 2013 due to 10 returning starters, and so far this season it has yet to disappoint. In two games, the Bulldogs’ offense has amassed a whopping 1,081 yards for an average of 540.5 per game that ranks 20th in the nation and second in the SEC—right behind Kentucky.

INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES …

Senior quarterback Aaron Murray had one of the best games in his career against the Gamecocks in passing for 309 yards and four touchdowns. For that performance, he was named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week and the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Murray joins Todd Gurley as the second Bulldog in as many weeks to earn the esteemed SEC honor. Murray is now 19 touchdown passes away from breaking Danny Wuerffel’s SEC touchdown passing record. However the Tampa, Fla. native has made it clear that he’s not playing to break records, but to win an SEC Championship and/or National Championship for the University of Georgia.

Gurley, a sophomore who some proclaim to be the best running back in college football, has been a workhorse for the Dawgs and is already off to a dominant start thus far. In two games, Gurley has averaged 143.0 yards on the ground and 6.6 yards per carry. Head coach Mark Richt expressed his sentiment about Gurley in a press conference on Sunday.

“I mean just watching Gurley run was fun. He’s just such a powerful back who’s got such great balance and speed.”

The Dawgs’ defense has been suspect in the first two games. Clemson and South Carolina successfully managed to move the ball—particularly on the ground. Georgia ranks near the bottom third in total defense at 98th in the nation and rushing defense at 99th. The lack of a pass rush is a concern due to having registered only three sacks in two games. The bye week will allow the team to study film and rest before home games against North Texas on Sept. 21 and against the No. 8 LSU Tigers on Sept. 28.

 

 

 

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