Georgia vs. South Carolina First Half: Todd Gurley Shining Again
By Jack Crosby
Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3)before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Even in a losing effort last week to the Clemson Tigers, Georgia running back Todd Gurley showed why he is undoubtedly one of the best running backs–if not the best–in the country. The Bulldogs opened up SEC play against another team that opened up their season last week against an ACC opponent, Jadeveon Clowney and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
After just one half–with the game all knotted up at 24, it was confirmed immediately that Gurley is really, really good when you hand him a football.
Gurley already has 92 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. He’s proving again, even against a good South Carolina defense, that he’s probably the most difficult back in the nation to bring down on the initial hit. Some are even saying that Gurley isn’t even at 100% health-wise, which is a scary notion to ponder.
However, the quarterbacks in this game are making sure they’re making their marks as well. Both Aaron Murray and Connor Shaw are doing everything they can to keep their teams in this one.
With a week of criticism about the Clemson loss behind him, Aaron Murray looks like the QB we thought he’d be before the season started. The senior is 10-of-13 with 122 yards and two scores. He’s making much better reads this week and is getting the ball to his open receivers when necessary.
Not to be outdone though, Shaw is equally as impressive. The Gamecocks signal caller is 9-of-13 for 114 yards and also two touchdowns.
If things keep going this route, then we could be in for an exciting second half, leading up to probably one of the best finishes of this early college football season.
I also feel I should note, obviously, that stud defensive end Jadeveon Clowney did record his first sack of the 2013 season. This after being under heavy scrutiny for not playing up to his full potential last week against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Otherwise though, the Dawgs are doing a passable job of making sure Clowney is as little of a factor in this one as possible.