Georgia Bulldogs Football: Aaron Murray Shines In Win 41-14 Win Against Tennessee

Aaron Murray saved his best performance of the year for his game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

The redshirt freshman has been solid all season but, on Saturday, he made sure that the rest of the SEC knew his name—they aren't likely to forget it anytime soon.

The Georgia Bulldogs left the field with a 41-14 win and Aaron Murray departed with a very generous stat line to smile about for at least the next day or two: 17/25 for 266 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions to go along with 7 carries for 41 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Murray was responsible for better than 75 percent of the team's offense—307 of Georgia's 401 total yards came courtesy of Murray's arms and legs.

While no one wants to see Murray at the center of attention every week—this is a pro-style offense after all—it's nice to see that Georgia has a player who can tuck it and run when the pocket breaks down or that elusive third down yardage is needed to keep a drive going.

Murray brings that extra something—that wild card—every week that can be so valuable to this team; particularly when the offense is clicking.

It also doesn't hurt to have a guy like A.J. Green on the field to open things up a bit more. Green is so dangerous with the ball in the air, that you have to give him more than his share of respect in coverage. It was the extra attention the Vols had to give to Green that likely led to the big 35 yard scoring run
Murray completed on the Bulldogs first possession of the game.

Either way, Murray led the charge towards erasing not only a painful four weeks but, an embarrassing loss in Knoxville last season. One that saw the Vols, albeit a much different team, humiliate Georgia 45-19.

Georgia Bulldogs Football: After Four Losses, Georgia FINALLY Feels The Thrill of Victory

Last week it seemed improbable that the Georgia Bulldogs would get anywhere near a win—anytime soon.

As recently as Tuesday, even coach Richt seemed hesitant to give a vote of confidence to his team—apparently balking at the mere idea that they were favored by nearly two scores over a Volunteers program that very nearly sent the LSU Tigers to a bitter end the week prior.

What a difference a week and a change in philosophy can make for one football team.

This week the Georgia Bulldogs finally walked away from the football field with a win, and they looked quite impressive doing so. They secured their first SEC win of the year and their second win of the season by defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 41-14 at Sanford Stadium.

It was clear from the first possession of the game that this was going to be a different football team on this week. The tell-tale sign appeared when Tennessee was not allowed to score on their first possession.

That may seem like small potatoes, but Georgia has been horrid over the last four weeks at doing just that.

Starting in week two, the Georgia defense allowed the opposition to score on its first possession each and every week. Georgia's offense took the field, in each of their last four games, trailing their opponent. So, the fact that they were able to get a stop on the first defensive series against Tennessee, and follow that up with a touhdown, on the first offensive possession, was a welcome sight for Georgia Bulldog fans.

Even more, Georgia did not give up the big plays that have killed them over the losing stretch.

Aside from a huge catch and run by Justin Hunter in the second quarter, and a 2-yard run by Tauren Poole near the end of the third quarter, Tennessee found it difficult to sustain a drive against Georgia's defense. Tennessee quarterback, Matt Simms did the best he could under duress, but he never got comfortable in the pocket, and that led to an inability to find any offensive rhythm against the Bulldogs.

The defense looked as good as it did in week one against Louisiana, and it was clear that Justin Houston, Akeem Dent, Brandon Boykin, and Christian Robinson were all playing with a little extra something under their helmet on Saturday, because all made some significant plays at key moments in the game.

This was the win that the Georgia Bulldogs and their fans needed. It was long overdue and could be just what the doctor ordered for a beleaguered and put-upon coaching staff that has witnessed its fair share of criticism over the past month.

While there can be no guarantees offered the rest of the way, for once, in what seems like a long while, the Georgia Bulldogs can celebrate a win in Athens.

Georgia Bulldogs Football: 10 Things You Need To Know About Tennessee

The Georgia Bulldogs are back from Boulder, Colorado and they are 1-4. Everything else is irrelevant at this point as the majority of Georgia fans likely woke up on Sunday morning asking only one question: when will the Bulldogs get another win?

It's useless to recap another disappointing Saturday, because there is no way to adequately explain how a game that could have been won by this Georgia team, was instead, again, lost by them—in such heinous fashion.

As with every week, so far this season, it's just time to move on and focus on the next opponent. This week that's the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols have shown plenty of fight the last few weeks: winning in overtime, at home, against UAB and in nearly upsetting a vastly overrated LSU team in Baton Rouge this past Saturday.

This team is hungry for an SEC win, and they are more than willing to come into Sanford Stadium to get it. So, what should Georgia fans know about the 2010 Vols?

1. They have a solid running back in Tauren Poole.

If people thought the running game at Tennessee was going to suffer minus the talents of Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown, they were sadly mistaken. Tauren Poole has done a more than capable job of carrying the load this year.

The junior already has three 100+ yard rushing games—including a 109 yard performance against the SEC's best rush defense (LSU) last week—and he's one of the best offensive players on the team. He should not be underestimated.

2. They are steadily improving from week-to-week. 

The Vols aren't a bad team, they're a young team. They've fought through every win and loss and they've done so with a lot of heart. The quarterback play gets better each week, and the careless mistakes that seemed to plague them in the early-going are fewer and fewer as the team gels. It's easy to see that they are coming into their own under Dooley.

3. Matt Simms is gaining confidence. 

The junior quarterback has done as well as you can expect, standing behind a young offensive line, with little pass protection. His numbers may not seem impressive, but he's been money in third down situations (particularly those where between 3-7 yards is needed) and his toughness has made him a fan favorite. He's not particularly mobile, but he can make plays on the move if he has to.

4. Gerald Jones is the leader of this offense. 

After the heartbreaking loss to LSU, the senior wide receiver was said to have gotten in the face of the offensive lineman, asking them the following: "Ask yourself, are you doing your job?" He doesn't shy away from giving or receiving criticism, and he's definitely one to watch on third downs—84 of his 132 yards this season have come in those situations.

5. Eric Gordon—remember that name. 

David Oku has been the primary return man for the Vols this year but the flashes of brilliance that Eric Gordon displayed against LSU this past Saturday could be a harbinger of things to come. He's got nice speed and some killer moves in his game and, if given too much space, could soon break free for a touchdown—giving the Vols just the spark they need on special teams.

6. Nick Reveiz is the heart of the defense.

The linebacker is considered, by many, to be the emotional leader on the defense. He's not the strongest, fastest, or even the most talented player, but he plays with a ton of heart and he brings intangibles to the field that defensive coaches love to see (toughness, leadership, and sound fundamental play).

Statistically, he leads the SEC in tackles (50), but his leadership is probably the most important part of his game.

7. They have an opportunistic secondary. 

The Volunteers have six interceptions as a unit this season (28th in the nation). Sophomores Prentiss Wagner and Janzen Jackson are both more than capable of defending any wide receiver in the country—particularly Jackson who, as a five star recruit out of Louisiana, has already made his presence felt on the field. Wagner has two interceptions this year—both returned for touchdowns.

8. Speaking of opportunistic...the pass defense is top notch. 

So far this season, the Vols pass defense (ranked 13th in the nation) has 21 passes broken up, 22 quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles (h/t cfbstats.com). They rank third in the conference—following only Alabama and Florida, respectively. By contrast, in the same category, Georgia ranks 79th (that's a match-up worth noting).

9. Despite point No's. 7 and 8, the defensive front hasn't put opposing quarterbacks on their backs much. 

The defensive line of Tennessee has struggled getting into the backfield. The Vols only have five sacks this year, despite their ability to put pressure on the quarterback.

10. They haven't done a good job protecting their quarterback this season. 

Through five games, Matt Simms has been sacked 18 times. If there is one weakness the Vols have certainly had this year, it's in pass protection. Simms has managed to do well, despite their short-comings. Said Simms, "I think I've kind of mastered how to take a sack and just protect my body and protect the football, as crazy as that sounds."

Derek Dooley to Bryce Brown: "Text Me?...Release NOT Granted"

Earlier this week, Bryce Brown showed just how much he knows about personal etiquette when he decided that he would text Tennessee Vols head coach, Derek Dooley, instead of showing up to meet with him face-to-face. The message was clear, Brown was done playing football at Tennessee.

Game over...or so we thought.

As it turns out, the game isn't really as over as first thought and coach Dooley has a little hand of his own he still wishes to play—he has refused to grant Brown his release. Brown has already decided he will return to his home state of Kansas to play football at Kansas State University.

Why won't Dooley grant Brown's release? Well, he says it isn't "personal", but rather a matter of his own personal protocol where releasing players is concerned.

Apparently, before Dooley can be satisfied that a player is ready to move on, he must meet three criteria:

1. What was the player's personal investment into the program? 

None if you ask me. I am wondering what types of promises former coach, Lane Kiffin, made to get the kid to Knoxville in the first place. It's no coincidence that Brown's desire to bolt the Vols came shortly after Lane exited stage  left. Adding more fuel to the fire, why would Brown leave when he was all but guaranteed to start next season? Seems fishy to me.  

2. What harm the player's departure would cause the program?   

Well, depth immediately becomes an issue, but I don't think anyone will be disappointed with what Tauren Poole can do. Also, incoming freshman, Rajion Neal could be a factor this season as well. Brown's departure will cause a minor inconvenience for the Vols but there still plenty of talent left at tailback. 

3. How the player handled the situation as a person.

The kid sent a text message to announce his departure. I'd say he handled it very poorly and, honestly, I don't care what coach Dooley says about his protocol, he took that personally. He's letting Brown take a nap in that bed he decided to lay down in and, who could blame him?

Seriously, though, it doesn't make sense for Tennessee to allow this matter to go any further. Brown was enough of a distraction before, due to his lengthy indecision, and the best possible thing coach Dooley can do now is let him go. Don't let this soap opera stretch out any further because it looks like, if it does, it will become a war of words between the coach and the player's father.

Arthur Brown, Bryce's father, has already started doing a little talking of his own and nothing good can come of a back and forth conversation which starts with finger-pointing and ends with "he said..."

You've made your point, coach. Now let the kid go back to Kansas—with your blessing.

Nash Nance is Still Talking About Georgia....And The AJC is Still Listening!

Today, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (AJC) saw fit to run a "story" on current University of Tennessee enrollee, Nash Nance.

In the article, Nance alledges that Da'Rick Rogers change of heart had something to do with some 'bad dealings' with the UGA coaching staff. He even states that he had no idea that Rogers was going to sign with the Vols until signing day.

First of all, I'm over the Da'Rick Rogers saga. I was over it the day after signing day because he wasn't a Georgia Bulldog. I still wish him well at the University of Tennessee and I do hope to see Georgia get the best of that match-up this season when the two teams meet 'Between The Hedges'.

That said, I was a little confused as to why 1) The Atlanta-Journal Constitution was interested in anything Nash Nance has to say about Georgia—nearly six months after the fact, and 2) Why this story is, curiously, cropping up after the signing of Georgia's tenth commitment.

The AJC has not endeared itself to Georgia Bulldog fans because of stories like this; they seem filled with nothing more than bogus fiction—masquerading as fact—and that seems to serve no other purpose than to "stir the pot".

In my opinion, the Nance-Rogers saga is over and it has been over for those in the Bulldog Nation for a very long time. Perhaps the AJC should write about something other than the rants of a kid who, more and more, it sounds like is just a bit upset that he didn't get an offer from Georgia—despite his relationship and connection to Rogers.

Plus, not for nothing, but is he really implying that the Georgia coaching staff was any shadier than that of Lane Kiffin? I'm just saying...because, well, ya know....if anything sounds shady, that does.