Beware of the Dawgs

Looking at how Georgia begun the 2013 season, it seemed like they were up for a daunting task. Take away
North Texas, the Bulldogs faced Clemson, South Carolina and LSU, all three teams figured to be top 15 teams in college football. Georgia also dealt with losing a majority of their defense from last year and top flight receiver Malcolm Mitchell went down with an ACL injury in the first half of the first game of the year. The Dawgs responded with a 3-1 September including a win on Saturday against then number sixth ranked LSU, 44-41.  Georgia is the most dangerous one loss team in college football.

Aaron Murray continues to impress this season. He had the narrative about him struggling against top ten teams and he was pretty much perfect on Saturday afternoon in Athens. He had one interception on a tipped pass, but other than that, Murray pitched a flawless game.  The senior quarterback went 298 yards throwing four touchdowns and completed 20 passes.  Some of the credit is due to Murray's offensive line whom kept him safe for most of the game and had all sorts of time to find open receivers. Remember when people scoffed at the idea that Murray was preseason 1st Team all-SEC? It does not seem as ridiculous now.

Unlike their other big win against South Carolina, Georgia had to comeback late in the game. Jeremy Hill punched in an eight-yard touchdown with about four minutes left to go in the game. Murray took the team on his back and led a final drive down the field.  The Georgia quarterback made slight work taking the Dawgs 75 yards on six plays including an 18-yard run from J.J. Green.  This is the type of thing people point to when they are talking who should win the Heisman Trophy.

It should be mentioned that LSU is not a bad team whatsoever. The Tigers will also figure out their defense at some point, but right now, their offense is the best its been in quite some time. Mettenberger was great against Alabama last year and it is reasonable to think the Tigers could beat the Crimson Tide in November. As always, it figures to be a great game. LSU is still one of the premier teams in college football this year.

Georgia is a powerful one loss team due to their loss coming to Clemson in the non-conference. Given the SEC's track record, the BCS will likely take a team with an undefeated SEC record over an overall unbeaten team from a lesser conference. The biggest thing to notice from Saturday is Todd Gurley did not play for most it. Yes, Keith Marshall would probably start on 75-85% of teams in college football, but we never saw Marshall for a full game as he has been a change of pace back for Gurley. Given the offensive line's play against LSU, the ability to virtually rotate Gurley and Marshall and Murray's play, who the hell is going to beat Georgia?

Their defense is still a problem clearly, but at the same time when an offense is playing at an efficient level, they can afford to be a little lax. Also defense ins the SEC does not seem to be needed as much as yesteryear.  The two high profile games in September featured both teams scoring in the forties. We have yet to see two teams bury their heels in on defense yet.  Although let's not forget, LSU's two-headed rushing attack was held in check. The Tigers only had 77 yards of rushing including four sacks of Zach Mettenberger. Georgia's defense is still young and they have time to mature a bit. If the Bulldogs get stronger on defense, this team will become absolutely dynamite.

Georgia's schedule down the stretch does not look intimidating. They have to play Florida in the World's Largest Cocktail Party, but the Gators are not the team we thought they would be this year so far.  The only real dangerous road games would be against Vanderbilt and maybe Auburn. Do not look at the lost when seeing Georgia's record, they are one of the best in college football.

Charlie.