It’s Not My Fault: Aaron Murray

Through the first five games of the 2009 season, the Georgia Bulldogs compiled a 3-2 record. This included shootout victories over South Carolina and Arkansas where the Bulldogs put up big offensive numbers. However, the two losses early that season saw Georgia struggle to score points against Oklahoma State and LSU. Senior quarterback Joe Cox had shown flashes of brilliance, but often tried to do too much resulting in interceptions.

In 2010, freshman Aaron Murray has stepped into the starting role. As the only new starter in the preseason depth chart, many were concerned about an inexperienced player under center. While the Dawgs have struggled to a 1-4 start, Murray has actually been a bright spot for the Georgia offense. A quick comparison between Murray’s stats from the first five games of the 2010 season against Cox’s stats from the first five games of 2009 provide further proof that Aaron Murray has certainly not been the problem for the Georgia offense.

Joe Cox – First 5 Games of 2009

Pass Attempts: 144
Pass Completions: 85
Completion Percentage: 59%
Yards: 1,209
Yards per Attempt: 8.4
Touchdown Passes: 11
Interceptions: 6

Aaron Murray – First 5 Games of 2010

Pass Attempts: 132
Pass Completions: 80
Completion Percentage: 60.6%
Yards: 1,100
Yards per Attempt: 8.3
Touchdown Passes: 8
Interceptions: 3

Aaron Murray has attempted 12 less passes than Cox had at this point in the season, but has completed a higher percentage for nearly the same yardage per pass attempt. While Cox clearly has an edge in touchdown passes (11 to 8), remember that he threw 5 of those in the shootout victory over Arkansas and also threw for twice as many interceptions during that period. When you factor in rushing statistics, Murray’s number look even better when compared to Cox.

Through 5 games, Murray has rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns despite being sacked 12 times. Through 5 games in 2009, Joe Cox had a negative total for rushing yards and had failed record a touchdown. While Murray has been sacked 12 times in 5 games, Cox was only sacked 11 times all season in 2009.

At this point in the season, Aaron Murray would be my pick for offensive MVP. Keep in mind he has compiled these statistics without the services of AJ Green for 4 games and Kris Durham for one game. Georgia certainly has a number of problems on offense, but Murray is not one of them.

A Look Back at Georgia Quarterbacks Starting Debuts

Be it Aaron Murray, Logan Gray, or Hutson Mason under center this September against Louisiana-Lafayette, whoever the Georgia quarterback is, they will be making their first collegiate start. An out of conference, non-BCS opponent should provide the new starter with a chance to play without the pressures of an SEC conference game. In recent years, some Georgia quarterback have been lucky to start with an easier opponent while others have not. Here is a look at each starting debut for the last 5 players to start games for the Red and Black.


David Greene - September 1, 2001 vs. Arkansas State

After winning the starting job in summer, Greene was rewarded with a weak Arkansas State defense in his first game at starter. The Bulldogs rolled that afternoon, as Greene completed 72% of his passes. He threw for two touchdowns, one to Terrence Edwards and the other to Damien Gary.

Attempts: 29
Completions: 21
Completion Percentage: 72%
Yards: 285
Touchdowns: 2

DJ Shockley - September 3, 2005 vs. Boise State

After seeing occasional playing time during his first three seasons, Shockley finally started his first game to open the 2005 season against Boise State. Shockley would have the greatest starting debut in Georgia history, as the Bulldogs lit up the upstart Broncos. He tied a school record with five touchdown passes and added 85 yards on the ground, as the Dawgs romped to a 48-13 victory.

Pass Attempts: 24
Completions: 16
Completion Percentage: 67%
Yards: 289
Touchdowns: 5
Rushing Attempts: 5
Rushing Yards: 85
Average per Carry: 17

Joe Tereshinski - October 29, 2005 at Florida (in Jacksonville)

Joe Tereshinski was forced into the starting role against the Gators in Jacksonville following the injury to DJ Shockley against Arkansas. The Bulldogs were undefeated and it was a tough situation for Joe T to be in. Despite a conservative gameplan, Tereshinski put forth a valiant effort throwing, running, and catching the ball. This included a highlight reel touchdown catch on a halfback pass from Thomas Brown. The Dawgs came up short in the end and lost to the Gators, 14-10.


Pass Attempts: 21
Completions: 8
Yards: 100
Rushing Attempts: 6
Rushing Yards: 37
Yards per Carry: 6.2
Receiving: 1 catch for 9 yards and a touchdown

Matthew Stafford - September 16, 2006 vs. UAB

Stafford's first start came after he had taken over for the injured Joe Tereshinski the week before at South Carolina. Coach Richt used a conservative gameplan with the freshman at quarterback, and Georgia won easily 34-0. Stafford did not throw for a touchdown, however he did score on a quarterback keeper from 4 yards out.

Pass Attempts: 17
Completions: 10
Completion Percentage: 59%
Yards: 107
Rushing Touchdowns: 1

Joe Cox - September 30, 2006 at Ole Miss

Joe Cox earned the start against the Rebels after leading Georgia to 4th quarter comeback victory over Colorado the week before. The Bulldogs played sluggish throughout the game and Cox was benched in favor of Matt Stafford. The Dawgs would ultimately win 14-9 and Cox would not start another game until the 2009 season opener at Oklahoma State.

Pass Attempts: 10
Completions: 4
Completion Percentage: 40%
Yards: 23

With two great running backs and an experienced O-line, I expect Georgia will go conservative with Murray (or Gray or Mason) in the opener this fall. I expect this debut to be a little more like Stafford's debut in '06 than DJ Shockley's or David Greene's.

G-Day Preview: Part 1 – “Less is More”

This Saturday marks the end of Georgia spring practice for 2010 and it culminates with the annual G-Day game. One of the most intriguing stories of the spring is the battle to see who will be Georgia’s new starting quarterback. Zach Mettenberger has looked strong in both scrimmages, but his arrest in early April has him facing at least a 1 game suspension and most likely a back up job to start the year. Logan Gray has shown improvement, but a poor showing in the first scrimmage hurt his chances at winning the job. The front runner continues to be Aaron Murray, who has looked impressive in both practice and the scrimmages. And while Coach Richt is expected to name a depth chart to begin fall practice (though he will not be ready to name a starter), the question I keep asking myself is does it really matter.

Georgia will return 10 starters on the offensive side of the ball this fall, including a veteran offensive line, a talented duo at running back, and the best receiver in the country. This year, the quarterback will be asked to do less in the offense, and I say that is a good thing. For all of his faults, Joe Cox was brilliant at times for the Dawgs last season. Take a quick look at these two statistic lines:

55.8%, 2588 yards, 24 TD
55.9%, 2584 yards, 24 TD

The first line belongs to DJ Shockley during the Dawgs 2005 SEC Championship season and the second line belongs to Joe Cox last season. The major difference between the two is DJ only threw 4 picks, Joe threw too many to count.

To have a successful season under center in 2010, the Georgia signal caller does not need to put up 2,500 yards and 20 scores. These are figures that are often only seen by experienced Georgia QBs. The running game of Caleb King and Washaun Ealey should provide the firepower to keep the Dawgs in the end zone on a consistent basis.

What I am looking for on Saturday is the quarterback who embraces the “less is more” mentality. We need a little less Stafford and a little more David Greene under center this fall. The player who can find the right balance between making the big play and also knowing when to take a sack will give Georgia the best chance at success this fall.

Only four days until football…at least for one day!

GO DAWGS!!!

Top Ten Plays of 2009: Part 1

As we await the Dags showdown with Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the best plays of the 2009 season. While this season may have been a disappointment overall, it was not without its share of great moments. In part 1, we will look at plays 10-6:

#10 - Branden Smith 61 Yard Revers Touchdown against South Carolina

As a true freshman in 2009, Branden Smith saw ample time at the corner back position providing relief for Prince Miller and Brandon Boykin. However, Smith's most memorable moments came on offense when Smith was able to show off the amazing speed that made him the "Fastest Man in Georgia" during his senior year of high school. Smith's first amazing play came on a reverse against South Carolina:

Smith had another long touchdown run later in the season when he took a snap from the wildcat 52 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee Tech.

#9 - Joe Cox Throws 5 Touchdowns at Arkansas

When Georgia met Arkansas in late September, Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett put on an amazing passing display throwing for over 400 yards. And while many across the country expected Mallet to have the ability to put up these numbers, few though Joe Cox would be able to match him. But Cox was up to the challenge that night.

Cox would end up 18 of 26 for 375 yards and 5 touchdowns on the night. Cox found AJ Green (twice), Orson Charles, Tavarres King, and Aron White for scores in the 52-41 victory. Cox was named national player of the week for his effort.

#8 - Israel Troupe 50 Yard Touchdown Reception against Auburn

With Georgia already down 14-0 and AJ Green leaving the field with a shoulder injury, little used receiver Israel Troupe came in to the game. Mike Bobo, not realizing Green had left the game, called a long pass play. Caleb King threw a huge block which allowed Troupe to get separation down the sideline. Joe Cox hit troupe in stride for the 50 yard TD which sparked the Georgia comeback.

#7 - AJ Green 66 Yard Catch and Run against Vanderbilt

Without a two injuries that essentially cost him 4 games, AJ Green would have easily walked away with the Bilitnekoff award for the best receiver in the country. Early in the victory at Vanderbilt, Green took a quick out pass from Joe Cox. He then showed why he has become one of the best receivers in the nation:

#6 - A Pair of 100 Yard Touchdown Runs for Brandon Boykin

Sophomore corner Brandon Boykin made a name for himself as one of the most electrifying returners in all of college football with a pair of 100 yard kickoff return touchdowns. The first came against South Carolina:

Boykin then matched the feat a few weeks later, providing one of the few Georgia highlights in the loss at Tennessee:

Check back tomorrow for part 2 as we look at the Top 5 plays of 2009.

Georgia vs. LSU: The Importance of Joe Cox

If Georgia is to beat LSU this Saturday in Athens, the Dawgs will most likely need a big game from senior quarterback Joe Cox. In the last three Georgia-LSU matchups (all Georgia victories), the quarterback position has been responsible for 11 total touchdowns (9 passing, 2 rushing).

- David Greene threw for 5 touchdowns in the 2004 victory over LSU in Athens
- DJ Shockley threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for another in the 2005 SEC Championship game
- Matt Stafford threw 2 touchdowns and ran for one in the 52-38 victory in Baton Rouge last season

If Joe Cox can have a day any where close to these, the Dawgs should be in a good position to upset the #4 ranked Tigers.

Thoughts on Arkansas

Well, I might as well give up trying to figure out what this group of Bulldogs is going to do when it steps on the field on Saturdays in 2009. I knew the Dawgs would score more than most people thought (I predicted 34 points), but no way did i for see the Dawgs giving up 41 and scoring 52 of their own. Here's a run down of what I saw out of the Dawgs last night.

Let's start with the bad, because there was plenty of it. While the game plan put together by Willie Martinez did what it was supposed to against South Carolina, it failed miserably against Arkansas. The Dawgs were repeatedly beaten short, deep, over the middle, and in the flats. In other words, the Georgia defense did very little to shut down Ryan Mallett all night long. Mallett has a great arm (even better than I thought coming in) and made some great throws, but in most cases he was simply playing pitch and catch with open receivers. Was the coverage really that bad? My answer is no and here is why. Georgia's complete failure to get any kind of pass rush allowed Mallett to take his time. A good quarterback with plenty of time will find someone open, no matter how good the coverage is. I felt like I was watching a Patriots game from a few years ago where Tom Brady had all day to find Randy Moss. There are major issues with the pass defense and luckily for Georgia, there is not another big time passing program on the schedule for the next few weeks.

Once again, the kickoffs were an issue. After a good week against Carolina and some decent kickoffs in the first half, the Dawgs seemed to go back to the directional kicking. Walsh ended up kicking 2 in a row out of bounds. Georgia then brought in Bogatay and had him kick a pooch kick which gave Arkansas position ahead of the 40. Giving teams with any kind of offense this good of field position is just asking to be scored on. Penalties were once again a major problem, but at least Reshad Jones managed to avoid any personal fouls this week. Other than the pass defense, the other major concern I have for Georgia going forward is the turnovers. Once again, two fumbles inside our own 35 left Arkansas with a short field and the capitalized on both. You can't keep asking the defense to get a stop and then turn around to head back out two plays later in worse field position they were in. Losing the turnover battle 3-1 every game is not going to cut it with LSU, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn left on the schedule.

Now, onto the good things about the win over Arkansas.

The Dawg Nation can no longer doubt Joe Cox. The performance he put up last night may have been better than ANY performance Stafford put on in 3 years at the position. For his 375 yard, 5 touchdown performance, the Ginger Assassin (or Ginger Ninja if you prefer) was named National Offensive Player of the Week. Add in the dropped pass by TK, and Cox would have had over 400 yards and 6 scores. His passes had zip, the deep balls were on the money, and the decision making was great. He found the open man, be it Mike Moore, Orson Charles, or AJ Green and never doubted his arm. What a great performance.

AJ Green turned in another amazing game and is really starting to show what a difference being healthy makes. AJ had an amazing 2008, but in '09 he looks stronger, faster, and more confident. We may be looking at the best receiver to ever come through Athens and quite possibly the best receiver in the country. Richard Samuel's 80 yard run was a thing of beauty, but overall he had a pretty pedestrian night. I was very excited to see the great effort turned in by Caleb King. King ran like a man who was ready to be a top player in the SEC and I can only expect his carries will increase in the coming weeks.

We won the game and that is all that matters. We come home to face Arizona State before LSU comes to town. Let's hope Coach Richt and the staff make some changes, or we could be in for more shootouts this season.

GO DAWGS!!!

Joe Cox will play with the Flu

Michael Jordan didn't let the flu stop him...


and it won't stop the Ginger Assassin either. Give 'em hell Joe!

The Countdown 2009: 74 Days to Go

74

Receving yards per game for AJ Green during the 2008 season, a Georgia freshman record.

Cox to Green - Get ready to see a heavy dose of that connection in 2009.

The Countdown 2009: 79 Days to Go

79

Yards passing for Joe Cox during the 2009 Georgia G-Day game. Cox takes over as Georgia's starting quarterback to begin the 2009 season.

Who is Joe Cox?

With Wednesday’s announcement that Matt Stafford is leaving Athens early for the NFL Draft, the position of quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs falls onto the shoulders of soon to be 5th year senior Joe Cox. But, just who is Joe Cox and what can we expect from him in 2009?

Joe Cox committed to the Georgia Bulldogs out of Independence High School in North Carolina as part of the 2005 recruiting class. A powerhouse program in that state, Independence had previously produced Florida Quarterback Chris Leak and they never lost a game during Cox’s years at QB. His stats during those final two years speak for themselves:

2003 (Jr.)
Games: 16
Attempts: 373
Completions: 237
Comp %: 63
Yards: 3,983
TD: 43
Int: 11

2004 (Sr.)
Games: 11
Attempts: 363
Completions: 240
Comp %: 66
Yards: 4,509
TD: 66
Int: 5

After his senior year, Cox was awarded the Associated Press’s North Carolina Player of the Year Award. His 66 touchdowns passes were a state record and helped earn Cox a 4 star rating from various recruiting services. Cox had offers from a number of schools, including in-state ACC schools North Carolina State and Duke. In the end, the class of 2005’s 22nd ranked quarterback committed to the University of Georgia along with his high school teammate, wide receiver Mohammed Massaquoi.

Joe Cox arrived at The University in 2005 and was redshirted during his first fall. He gained experience on the UGA practice squad and was awarded the Outstanding Offensive Scout Team Player Award by the coaching staff. In 2006, Cox was in the middle of the three-way battle for the starting spot with Joe Terishinski and Matt Stafford. Cox saw limited playing time against Western Kentucky and UAB, but then came the Colorado game. With Tereshinski out from a leg injury and Stafford struggling, the Dawgs found themselves down 13-0 in the fourth quarter to a lowly Colorado squad.

Cox would enter the Colorado game and have the defining moment of his career at Georgia, thus far. Cox would lead the Bulldogs to two touchdown drives, including throwing the game winning touchdown pass to Martrez Milner:

Cox finished the game 10 out 13 for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He earned Sporting News College Football Player of the Week, SEC Freshman of the Week honors, and the right to start Georgia’s next game against Ole Miss. Cox would struggle against the Rebels, and eventually Matt Stafford took over as Georgia’s quarterback for the next few years.

Cox saw limited action during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In the 2008 Georgia Southern game, he completed 4 of 6 passes for 48 yards and threw the first touchdown pass reception of AJ Green’s career. Cox also came into the game late in the second half of the loss to Florida and led Georgia’s most successful drive of the day. He threw Georgia’s only touchdown of the game, a beautiful touch pass to tight end Aron White. Through his junior year, Cox’s career stats include 33 completions on 58 attempts (57%) for 432 yards, 5 touchdowns, and only 1 interception (an overall quarterback rating of 145).

Now the job of starting quarterback has once again found its way into Joe’s hands. As a fifth year senior, I expect Cox to have solid year with a limited number of mistakes. With flanker AJ Green on one side and receivers like Michael Moore, Kris Durham, and Tavares King on the other, Cox should put up good stats in Mike Bobo’s system. Don’t expect Cox to make all of the amazing throws that Stafford made, as his arm is not as strong. However, what Cox lacks in arm strength he makes up for in accuracy and touch. With an improved offensive line and solid contributions from the running game, there is no reason Joe Cox cannot have a solid SEC season in 2009.

(Images courtesy of David Manning and Scout.com)