John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS
Aaron Murray, quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs, has listened to the criticism for years. Murray was always known as the quarterback that could put up huge statistics, especially against lesser opponents, but he was also the guy who couldn’t win the big one. Against teams with winning records, especially ranked opponents, Murray always seemed to struggle.
In this season’s first game, Georgia lost on the road to the Clemson Tigers, and the whispers about Murray’s ability to win the big one got a little bit louder. However, since that game, Murray has done his best to quiet the critics.
After beating a top-10 South Carolina Gamecocks team two weeks ago, Murray did it again on Saturday, as the Bulldogs beat the sixth-ranked LSU Tigers 44-41 in Athens.
With his team trailing 41-37 and under two minutes remaining, Murray hit Justin Scott-Wesley with a 25-yard touchdown pass, lifting Georgia past LSU in a classic SEC shootout. It was Murray’s fourth touchdown pass in the game. He also added a rushing touchdown. For the game, Murray was 20-of-34 through the air for 298 yards, with those four scores and one interception.
Murray also got the best of his former roommate, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger. The two roomed together when both were freshmen on the Georgia team three years ago before Mettenberger transferred.
By surviving a brutal early-season schedule, Georgia has kept itself in the midst of the national championship hunt. A 3-1 record, after playing three top-10 teams is quite impressive, and the schedule certainly lightens up after this. And if Murray can continue to produce, especially in big games, the Bulldogs may find themselves playing for titles later this season.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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LSU vs. Georgia: Can Tigers Cage Dogs In Their Own Kennel?
Georgia Bulldogs Face Tough Test on Saturday
Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger Finally Meet in SEC Showdown
