Murray, Gurley Lead No. 11 Georgia Past No. 6 South Carolina

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) – Aaron Murray threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns, Georgia’s beleaguered defense finally came up with a stop, and the 11th-ranked Bulldogs defeated No. 6 South Carolina 41-30 on Saturday for an early edge in the Southeastern Conference East.

Coming off a 38-35 loss at Clemson, Georgia could not afford another defeat if it wanted to remain a serious contender for a national title.

Murray took care of that, turning in one of the best games of his career and shaking off his reputation as a quarterback who couldn’t win the big game. The fifth-year senior capped his stellar day for the Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 SEC) with an 85-yard touchdown pass to Justin Scott-Wesley with 13 minutes remaining.

The defense made sure it stood up, stuffing Mike Davis on fourth-and-goal from inside the 1.

Davis led the Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1) with 149 yards rushing on 16 carries.