Georgia running back Todd Gurley (3) runs the ball after losing his helmet after being hit during the first half of their NCAA game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, in Athens, Ga.ATHENS, Ga. - The death of University of Georgia football has been greatly exaggerated.
After last week's season-opening loss at Clemson left the Bulldogs coming away with more questions than answers, Georgia turned to its punishing offense Saturday and powered past South Carolina 41-30 under clear skies at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs racked up 536 yards, with the biggest chunk an 85-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Murray to Justin Scott-Wesley with 13 minutes remaining.
"Critics are going to be critics, but we know what we've got here in this locker room," Scott-Wesley said. "We trust each other and we play for each other. Tonight I am really proud to be a Bulldog."
Georgia ended a three-year losing streak to the Gamecocks and longtime nemesis Steve Spurrier, who was seeking a record 16th win over the Bulldogs.
Todd Gurley rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 30 carries, while Murray completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards and four scores. It was just the second career win over a top-10 team for Murray, who announced in January that he was returning for a final season.
"These are the memories that you will never forget," Murray said. "I had a great, great time tonight with some of my best friends. It was awesome."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.