Murray, Gurley lead Georgia to 45-23 win over Buffalo

UGA’s Todd Gurley scores on a 100-yard kickoff return. (Kevin Liles-US PRESSWIRE)

Freshman Todd Gurley scored three touchdowns, one of them on a 100-yard kickoff return, and quarterback Aaron Murray threw three touchdown passes to lead Georgia over Buffalo 45-23.

Gurley finished the game with an even 100 yards rushing on 8 carries, which is an average of 12.5 yards per carry. He scored on a 10-yard run on Georgia’s first possession of the game and then on a 55-yard run with 8:13 left in the game.

After Gurley’s first touchdown, the Dawgs led 7-0. But Buffalo answered that touchdown with a score of their own minus the extra point. On the ensuing kickoff, Gurley bolted down the left sideline 100 yards for the TD.

Murray, who finished the game 15-of-26 for 258 yards, completed touchdown passes to Tavarres King (63 yards), Rantavious Wooten (38 yards), and Michael Bennett (12 yards).

Ken Malcome started the game at tailback for the Dawgs, but left after injuring his hand. He rushed six times for 32 yards. Freshman Keith Marshall carried the ball 10 times for 46 yards.

Although missing a few key starters, the Georgia defense played sub-par in the first half, allowing Buffalo to score 16 points and gain almost 250 yards. The defense stepped up in the second half, allowing only one touchdown with 4:08 left when the game was already decided.

Georgia will have to improve on both sides of the ball next week when they open SEC play at Missouri (Sat., Sept. 8, 7:45 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

Related Links:

• 2012 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule
• Gurley, Georgia Bullies Buffalo in Opener, 45-23 – GeorgiaDogs.com
• Georgia-Buffalo Box Score – ESPN.com