Aaron Murray‘s 2013 debut was not necessarily bad, but a loss on the road against Clemson has the Georgia Bulldogs off to a sour start to the new college football season. Despite not throwing a touchdown against the Tigers last Saturday night and being sacked four times, Murray says it is easy to turn the page with a pivotal SEC game staring them down in the home opener in Athens this week.
“It’s tough, especially a game like that,” Murray told Dan Patrick n The Dan Patrick Show Wednesday. “I think the great thing is having a game like South Carolina this upcoming weekend we’re almost forced to push that game behind us and get ready for another big game, an SEC game and our first home game.”
Asked if that meant he is actually looking forward to facing Jadeveon Clowney, Murray laughed and confirmed that idea, although it is more likely he is looking more forward at a chance for redemption on the field. The Gamecocks have won three straight meetings with Georgia and the pressure has been rising on Georgia to get past the Gamecocks, in addition to claiming an SEC title and make a run for the BCS. A loss at home to South Carolina this weekend could pretty much eliminate Georgia from BCS consideration later in the year, although it is still early in the season.
Clowney, like Murray, may not have had the most spectacular of 2013 debuts, but he will be another player looking to come back strong in week two. Clowney made some statements about a handful of quarterbacks in the off-season, including Murray. The Gamecocks defensive star said Murray was scared of him. Murray has denied that statement already, but recognizes Clowney as a dominant player that will be lining up across the field from him on Saturday.
“He’s an extremely talented pass rusher, extremely talented against the run,” Murray said of Clowney. “Physically, there’s not many guys like him walking down the street that’s for sure.”
For sure Aaron. For sure.