We touched on Aaron Murray’s pursuit of the SEC’s passing touchdown record a couple of weeks ago. Let’s take a look at another milestone that the Georgia quarterback can achieve during his senior season.
Today’s number to consider: 3,000
Last season, Aaron Murray became the first quarterback in SEC history to pass for at least 3,000 yards in three seasons when he went for 3,893 yards and 36 touchdowns -- single-season totals that rank third and fourth, respectively, in league history alongside the likes of conference luminaries Tim Couch, Peyton Manning and Danny Wuerffel.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Georgia’s senior quarterback has the chance to join a group that is nearly exclusive this year, when he attempts to become only the fourth quarterback in FBS history to surpass the 3,000-yard mark in four seasons. Only Hawaii’s Timmy Chang (2000, 2002-04), Boise State’s Kellen Moore (2008-11) and Oklahoma’s Landry Jones (2009-12) have pulled off the feat to date -- and only Moore and Jones in four successive seasons -- but Murray and Troy’s Corey Robinson can join their ranks this season.
As long as he stays healthy, Murray should have little difficulty getting there this fall. He ranked second nationally in passing efficiency last season and has improved upon his passing numbers in each successive season as the Bulldogs’ starter. After passing for 3,049 yards as a freshman, he jumped to 3,149 in 2011 and 3,893 last season.
If he only matches last season’s passing totals, Murray (696-for-1,131 career for 10,091 yards, 95 touchdowns and 32 interceptions) will hold the SEC’s career records for completions (currently 895, held by Florida’s Chris Leak), pass attempts (1,514, Kentucky’s Jared Lorenzen), yards (11,528, Georgia’s David Greene) and touchdown passes (114, Wuerffel).