Forever:
While not believing these are our dads' Crimson Tide, I am concerned about Aaron Murray's performance against high caliber competition throughout his career. The Dawgs' 17-9 victory over Florida in the "World's Biggest Turnover Party" this season was Murray's first career win over a Top 10 team. That victory, however, was really in spite of Murray's play rather than a result of it.
In his two games against Top 10 teams this year, Murray is a combined 23-of-55 passing for 259 yards with four interceptions and one TD. His yards per passing attempt in those two games is just 4.7 ypa and his QB rating averages to 75 in those games. Without researching all games throughout his career against Top 10 competition, these numbers are at least roughly representative of his historical performance in such settings.
Although Murray has elected not to speak to the media this week, it has been my experience that there's no switch that can be "flipped" to instantly make him a big-game player. One thing's for certain: Murray has big-time talent and could produce a decent _ or even outstanding _ performance against a high-caliber opponent at any moment. However, I expect to see what I've always seen until I see something different. To this point, Murray has been consistently bad under the big top.
I have to believe Nick Saban will be able to take the blueprint and exploit Murray's vulnerabilities.
In general, it is also difficult to ignore the Saban over Richt advantage in the coaching department. One thrives when the camera shines the brightest, the other stumbles.
All this said, I have a "moderate" play on Alabama -7. UGA undoubtedly has as much individual talent as anyone in the country. If it finally all comes together in Atlanta, they are certainly capable of emerging victorious.
Good luck,
Paul
