Georgia/South Carolina Reaction

What a difference a week makes.

Georgia was in another slug-fest this week, but this time, the Dawgs managed to hang on and get a victory that they desperately needed.

Todd Gurley showed once again that he is the best running back in America. Gurley was the anchor of the Georgia offense, carrying the ball an amazing 30 times against South Carolina’s vaunted defense, while rushing for more than 100 yards yet again.

As good as Gurley was, the difference in this game was Aaron Murray. Aaron Murray who turned the ball over twice last week against Clemson. Aaron Murray who didn't throw a touchdown against Clemson. Aaron Murray who can’t win the big game.

Tonight was about Aaron Murray. One night can’t change a career, but Murray stepped up on a night when the story of his career could have been written for good.

A loss to South Carolina would have effectively ended Georgia’s chances at an SEC title and for sure would have ended the Dawgs’ dreams of playing for a national championship. It is not an overstatement to say that this was Murray’s last chance to prove to the Bulldog Nation and to himself, that he is more than just statistics.

Murray threw four touchdowns. Murray made big throw after big throw on third down. In the first half, after a receiver dropped a perfect pass that should have given Georgia a first down on third and 13, Murray came back on fourth down to find a receiver and move the chains.

In the second half, when Murray was forced to scramble from the pocket on a critical third and goal play, he stayed poised, took a hit, and completed a touchdown pass to Todd Gurley in the corner of the end zone.

Aaron Murray just played his best game as a Georgia Bulldog, and that is saying something.

There was a bit of vindication for the defense as well. Late in the game, when South Carolina had the ball first and goal, Georgia’s defense bowed up at just the right time for a goal line stand, to turn the Gamecocks away.

Georgia showed us a few things as a team today.

First, Mark Richt played this game to win from the very first snap. Georgia recovers the onside kick. Georgia goes for it on fourth down. Georgia has lost so many games being conservative and looking like they were playing not to lose, but not tonight.

Georgia also showed some toughness. After being up 17-3, South Carolina battled back like quality teams will do. They managed to tie the game and the half and even stopped Georgia on the opening possession of the second half. But Georgia showed resilience, in forcing a turnover and then getting the lead they would never give up.

The Dawgs didn’t win the SEC East tonight, but the road to the Dome is going through Athens.

 LSU comes calling in three weeks. Georgia now has the amazing advantage to spend the next three weeks getting ready for the Tigers. No offense to North Texas, but I doubt the Dawgs are going to spend a lot of time worrying about them.

As disappointing as last week was, Georgia won the game that they needed to win. They are in the driver’s seat for the SEC East, and they have time to get healthy before another season-defining game with LSU.

One thing is for sure: if Aaron Murray plays the way he did tonight for the rest of this season, there is not a team in America that can beat Georgia. Alabama included.

Enjoy this win Bulldog Nation!

Glory, Glory!