Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Positives To Take from the South Carolina Game

One of the most difficult things to do as a coach, player or fan is to find positives in a defeat. What makes it even more difficult is when you outplayed the opposing team in almost every facet of the game. There is no doubting that the Bulldogs lost the game; South Carolina did not win it.

Rome was not built in a day, and the Bulldogs' turnaround wasn't going to happen overnight. However, they have taken strides over the last two weeks and could be primed for a big run.

I want to list five positives that the University of Georgia can take from this game that might lead to a spectacular finish to the season. 

Isaiah Crowell- the WOW Factor Has Returned to the UGA Backfield

Since the early departure of Knowshon Moreno to the NFL, the Bulldogs backfield has been filled with mediocre running backs. That will not be the case any longer. Isaiah Crowell was amazing tonight with 118 yards, rushing on 16 carries and 40 yards receiving and two total touchdowns.

While the numbers are impressive, it is how he did it that should build confidence. For example, his 17-yard touchdown reception was nothing short of spectacular. He snagged it out of the air like an outfielder and made a dazzling dash to the end zone.

He did have a fumble, but he responded as well as you could ask. It was his ability to run the ball that finally freed up Aaron Murray to return back to his prior form. He is going to make mistakes, but the Bulldogs now they have a legitimate homerun threat in the backfield.

Aaron Murray Has Found His Passing Rhythm

Aaron Murray, for the first seven quarters of the season, had looked mediocre. His stats were not bad, but he did not seem to be in sync with his receivers. However, in the fourth quarter, that changed. He led an 85-yard drive by completing 8-of-8 passes and the two-point conversion.

He would have a costly fumble late in the fourth, but that is something that can be fixed. He finished the game with 248 yards and four touchdowns. Perhaps, the most encouraging thing to take away from his play is how he responded after he made a mistake.

Murray is still the top quarterback in the SEC. From this point on, he should look like it.

The Defense HAS Improved

I have never seen a team play as well as UGA did on defense and give up 45 points. However, consider the facts. Of the six touchdowns scored, they were only responsible for two. South Carolina scored on a fake punt, an interception and a fumble. They also returned another fumble to the five.

This was truly impressive considering that the Bulldogs were without stud linebacker Alec Ogletree. Marcus Lattimore did get his yards in the end, but overall, they graded out well. The Bulldogs got plenty of pressure on Stephen Garcia all night and forced two turnovers.

The defense was far from perfect, but they have shown vast improvements. By the time the Bulldogs host Mississippi State, this defense will be on another level.

Malcolm Mitchell- UGA Has a Go-to Receiver

He might just be a freshman, but Malcolm Mitchell is true No. 1 receiver. He can snag passes in the middle of the field or blow past a defensive back on the outside. He is as complete a wide receiver as you will see two games into his freshman season.

Mitchell has world class speed and pretty consistent hands. He has led all UGA wide receivers in receiving yards both games. His emergence could move Tavarres King back to his more natural position. This would also allow Marlon Brown to become more of a possession receiver.

AJ Green might be gone, but Aaron Murray now has a new go-to receiver.

Jarvis Jones Is a Future All-American

UGA fans had heard all last season how good Jarvis Jones was. However, he might be one of the few players that has exceeded expectations. Jones is a legitimate NFL level linebacker. I watch every SEC game every week. Jarvis Jones is a top five SEC linebacker already.

If Jones remains at UGA long enough, he will go down as one of the all-time fan favorites. He plays hard, and he plays smart. His mistakes are very few, considering the amount of time he missed due to injury and transferring.

Make no mistake about it, if the UGA defense returns back to the days of the junk yard dogs, they will be led by Jones. He has all the intangibles to be an All-American in the future.   

Final Take

UGA is 0-2, but that does not mean the season is over.

Here is the rest of the UGA schedule, and every game is winnable.

Sep. 17 Coastal Carolina

Sep. 24 at Ole Miss

Oct. 1 Miss. State 

Oct. 8 at Tennessee

Oct. 15 at Vanderbilt

Oct. 29 Florida

Nov. 5 New Mexico St.

Nov. 12 Auburn

Nov. 19 Kentucky

Nov. 26 at Georgia Tech

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