DAWGBEASTS and the OWLS

GEORGIA'S OFFENSE - The DAWGS O rolled up an a school-record 713 total yards, including two freshmen backs that both went over 100 yards rushing in the same game for the first time since 2004, career performances by the quarterback and two receivers and a different wide receiver breaking the 100 yard barrier for the third consecutive game.  Clearly a lot of players and coaches did a lot of good things or a night like this does not happen.  You can't easily produce numbers like this if you line up against air and this level of execution when the lights are on needs to be acknowledged and recognized for what it is, impressive.


AARON MURRAY - Murray may have played the most complete game of his career Saturday against Florida Atlantic completing 14 of 19 passes for a career-high 342 yards, 2 TDs and an interception.  Murray also tacked on 2 rushing TDs.  Putting up big numbers and running the offense brilliantly is great, but @aaronmurray11 is on my list this week really because of stat and one play.  Georgia's junior starter averaged a whopping 24 yards per completion on Saturday, meaning the DAWGS were pushing the ball vertically and when you can hit those balls over the top that creates a tremendous amount of stress on a defense. Shout out to the O-line here because none of those big plays happen if your quarterback does not have the time.  Which brings me to my next point.  Late second quarter with the DAWGS up seven, Murray pump faked and hit Michael Bennett with a 67 yard touchdown strike on a perfectly thrown ball.  As he waited for Bennett to break open, a defender bore down on Murray but he held the ball to within a split second of being blasted before releasing a perfect throw that would provide the knockout blow to the opponent, breathing room for the coaches and a snapshot memory for everyone that saw it.  The play was beautiful on several levels, but nothing compares to Murray's example of how to play big time quarterback in a pro-style offense and efforts like that deserve to be on a list like this.


TODD GURLEY - One half of Georgia's talented freshman duo continues to impress, toting the rock 10 times for 111 yards including an impressive 38 yard TD run.  @TG3II hits the hole with purpose, power and, although he's a big man, appears to glide around defenders with his speed. 


KEITH MARSHALL - The DAWGS "other" freshman ball carrier rolled to 10 carries, 104 yards, and punched in his first career TD against the Owls.  Finally @Truthh4 found some space to operate in and flashed the brilliance that makes him special.  We cannot wait to see more from Marshall in the very near future.


MICHAEL BENNETT - Bennett followed up last week's effort in Missouri in which he had a career high 8 receptions with 4 catches, another career-best 110 yards and a thunderbolt of a TD.  @MBennett_82 became the third different Georgia wide receiver to go over 100 yards in three games this season. 


ARTHUR LYNCH - Ah, just like old times. We saw the resurgence of the tight end in the DAWGS offense on Saturday night as evidenced by the career-high 3 catches, 73 yards and the first career touchdown for @alynch1788.  Lynch's score was highlighted by a fantastic FIFTEEN YARD stiff-arm and diving effort that is will get you on my list without fail.  Through three games, one thing that is becoming evident is Georgia has no lack of weapons on offense and the emergence of the tight end in the offense will only create more sleepless nights for the DAWGS opponents going forward.


SHAWN WILLIAMS - He wasn't the notable absentee or the guy with the pick six on Saturday, but Williams was the guy that racked up 12 total tackles against the Owls.  Williams was all over the field, especially early on, and is the intimidator of the DAWGS secondary.  Williams plays right up to the line, right through the echo of the whistle, and the DAWG Nation loves him for it.  Leadership, hands and the hammer.  We are glad to see Williams on our list this week.

Glory, Glory.

HOT READS: 2011 FALL CAMP OPENS

T.J. Stripling seems to be coming along fine with his rehab of a torn patella tendon, so maybe I was on to something with the idea that he could be a quiet key for the DAWGS defense this year if he gets back healthy.

Jonathan Jenkins looks great in his single digit practice jersey. Fingers crossed that he spends a lot of time in the backfield this season. The opponent’s backfield, that is.

Pleased to read that for Cordy Glenn, mashing is mashing. Glenn seems to be adjusting very well to bumping out to man the left tackle position this season. I feel really at ease with this change. I’m betting Aaron Murray does too.

Branden Smith has been showing out a bit, collecting five interceptions. Coach Richt mentioned he actually snatched a couple away from the intended receiver. Music to my ears. I want to see any of our DBs drive on the football in the air more often, especially Smith and Brandon Boykin given their tremendous skills once they have the ball in their hands.

Looks like Isaiah Crowell might get it. Word has it that he takes coaching and seems to genuinely love the game. Malcolm Mitchell could be in the boat with him. Both are flashing raw skills early on and are working hard, but until they prove it “while the band’s playing” I’m afraid we should all temper our expectations a bit. Running backs have to block and WRs have to sharpen routes and beat press coverage. The future looks bright, but until they get it done with the DAWG Nation watching, we don’t know a thing.

Aaron Murray looks all swole’ up. We know he’s a leader and a film junkie (love it), and maybe it’s just me, but Murray looks like he’s added 10-15 pounds of pure muscle. If I’m right, that’s great news. Let’s face it, there’s no way his jersey stays clean all year and a little more bulk can only help the DAWGS leader hold up.

Jay Rome appears to be a big man with soft hands that can move. This is exciting. Though Aron White and Orson Charles give every effort in the blocking game, I really slide to the edge of my seat when I think about the possibilities of a massive Arthur Lynch and an aggressive Rome just crushing down one side of the defensive line to clear some space for our backs.

Grass is finer. Coach Richt pointed out that having grass on the practice fields instead of turf grass, especially during recent days when triple digit temperatures are the norm, is really making a difference for the players. Hey, whatever helps the guys stay healthy and get ready to get after the Broncos is alright by me. Besides, grass stains are cool.

Glory, Glory.