Aaron Murray and Georgia's continuing quest for an SEC title
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray (11) attempts a pass during the first day of practice at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. (Aug. 1, 2013) Credit: AP
Aaron Murray is on pace to leave Georgia with most of the school's major passing records.
After two straight runner-up finishes, he's hoping to also finish with a Southeastern Conference championship.
One look at a leaner Murray shows he's serious about his last SEC title chase. After making the decision to return for his senior season, Murray visited the school nutritional staff and laid out a diet plan that resulted in a loss of about 10 pounds and a reduction in his body fat from 14 to 9 percent.
No junk food. No fast food. Not even his favorite watermelon-flavored Sour Patch candy.
But before Murray started slimming down, the Georgia offense was explosive -- and it should be again.
Tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall return after combining for 2,144 yards and 25 touchdowns as freshmen. All five starters on the offensive line are back, and wide receiver Michael Bennett has recovered from a knee injury to join Malcolm Mitchell and tight ends Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome as Murray's top targets.
The big question is the defense, which returns only four starters.
It's a reversal from a year ago, when the defense was packed with returning starters but the offensive line and running backs were unproven.
"Last offseason everyone was asking me was the offense going to be any good because we lost so many guys," Murray said. "We had a great year offensively. I think the defense is the same way. They got better and better in spring practice and I think they looked awesome in the summer. I look forward to them having a great year."
Georgia has won two SEC titles with coach Mark Richt, but eight years have passed since the last championship in 2005. The Bulldogs were close last year, losing 32-28 to eventual national champion Alabama in the SEC championship game in Atlanta. LSU beat Georgia for the 2011 SEC title.
The early schedule is daunting. Three of Georgia's first four opponents could be ranked in the top 15, including the Aug. 31 opener at Clemson and the Sept. 7 home opener against South Carolina. LSU visits Athens on Sept. 28.
Here are five things to watch as keys to Georgia's season:
