Georgia Bulldogs Football: How Aaron Murray Can Find Freshman Success

If you read Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray's scouting report, it's easy to get excited about his playmaking abilities.

Accuracy and consistency? Check.

Decision-making? Check.

Poise and leadership? Check.

Million-dollar smile and media friendly persona? Check, check.

If you listen to what the scouts have to say about this Tampa, Fla., native, he is the next big thing at the University of Georgia.

And while he may be down the line, that's not exactly what head coach Mark Richt needs from his freshman quarterback in 2010.

All this kid needs to do is drive the bus.

Heading into the 2010 season, Murray is one of the only question marks on a suddenly solid offensive unit.

With 10 starters returning and depth at a number of positions, the Georgia offense appears to be more stacked than a deck of cards at an underground poker game.

It has what looks to be one of the best offensive lines in the SEC, two running backs poised for breakout seasons in Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, and wide receiver A.J. Green, one of the best skill players in the country.

All it needs is a reliable signal caller to get these playmakers the ball.

For Murray to accomplish this task, the old adage "less is more" rings truer than ever.

Making plays downfield a la Matthew Stafford is not what the Bulldogs need from Murray right now.

Sure it is flashy and puts up big Heisman-worthy numbers, but for Georgia to find success on offense, it will require Murray to dial it back, minimize mistakes and allow his playmakers to do what they do best—make plays.

Relying on such a young player to make the big plays often results in turnovers and missed opportunities.

And while many teams with a young signal caller are forced to do that very thing because of an all-around weak offense, the Bulldogs have an opportunity in 2010 to be one of the best in the conference.

So what does Georgia need from Murray in 2010?

Consistency.

With the exception of the occasional deep route to Green who catches anything within five yards of him anyway, Murray won't be asked to get big chunks of yardage.

So what Georgia will need from him is to be able to consistently complete short to mid-range routes that can chop away at opposing defenses.

Rather than touchdown numbers, first downs and third-down conversions will be the most indicative statistics for Murray.

Humility.

While Murray may have been the No. 3 quarterback recruit in his high school class according to Scout.com, Georgia does not need him to be the face of the offense.

It might be less fulfilling on individual plays to hand the ball off to a dynamic running back, but Murray needs to be humble enough to realize that that is what the offense requires of him.

For now, Murray's level of success will be measured in the overall performance of the offense, not in the numbers that he puts forth.

Perhaps down the line Murray will be able to be that type of quarterback, but right now, more than anything, Georgia needs a humble quarterback who can simply drive the bus.

Reliability.

Sure Murray will rarely be asked to be the playmaker of the Georgia offense, but times will arise where the running game just can't get it done.

The Bulldogs may desperately need a play to decide the outcome of the game and short passes and dives up the middle just won't do the trick.

In this situation, Georgia will need to be able to rely on Murray to rise to the occasion and actually become the playmaker.

The bus may be gassed and flying down the road on cruise control, but occasionally the driver will need to make a quick decision to avoid a catastrophe.

As we all know, the road to the conference championship is never easy for any team in the SEC.

If Murray can drive this bus for the Bulldogs and simply manage the offense along the way, then it should be great in 2010.

And if not—buckle up. It could be a bumpy ride.

David is a member of the Bleacher Report Writing Internship. For news, opinions, and spirited discussion anything sports, you can follow David on Twitter.