Hutson Mason Making First Start For Georgia Bulldogs Against In-State Rival Georgia Tech

Nov 23, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Hutson Mason (14) passes against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 59-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

We all know now that Aaron Murray tore his ACL during Georgia’s win 59-17 win over Kentucky… but what do we know about the new starting quarterback, Hutson Mason?

Well, not a whole lot.

He’s never started a game since coming to Georgia, and that’s not really a big surprise. Aaron Murray was pretty good, after all.

After coming in the Kentucky game, Mason proved to be pretty efficient under center, throwing for 189 yards and a touchdown while connecting on 13 of his 19 passes. That’s pretty good in limited time after not really playing any the entire year, but it was also against a Kentucky team that is 0-7 in the SEC. Not exactly the toughest of competition.

During Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech, we should find out who Hutson Mason really is, as he tries to lead the Bulldogs over the Yellow Jackets and their stout defense.

Here’s what Chip Towers, of the Atlanta Journal Constitution had to say about what the Yellow Jacket defense could mean for Mason and the Bulldogs:

"“He’s been through a lot of games and a lot of game plans,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said of Mason Sunday night. “He’s gone through the mental process of watching game film. Obviously, he’s played a little bit here and there along the way, so he does have experience. But as far as being a starter, this will be his first start and I’m sure there will be some excitement. I’m sure he does not really want to have it in this circumstance, but he knows he’s ready, and I’m sure he’ll do a good job preparing like he always does.”Georgia Tech’s not necessarily known for playing stout defense, but the Yellow Jackets are certainly doing that this season. In fact, they’re 10th in the nation in rush defense (104.2 ypg), 17th in total defense (342.6 ypg) and 24th in scoring defense (21 ppg). Their ability to stop the run could pose some issue for Georgia and Mason. The Bulldogs’ offense is at its best when the play-action pass is made effective by a formidable running game. Tech will certainly look to take away that dimension and put the game on Mason’s shoulders."

What is interesting about this entire situation is that Mason has already developed some nice chemistry with the skill guys who are going to be his targets come Saturday. Because of the many injuries to plague the Georgia offense this year, many of the second and third string players have been forced into larger roles with the offense.

Now, the same thing is true with Mason.

It’s definitely going to be a different situation than the game against Kentucky. He’ll be under center from the start of the game, in what is likely the biggest game he’s ever played. It will be extremely interesting to see what the Georgia offense looks with No. 11 sitting on the sideline and No. 14 on the field.

While the situation that Mason has been thrown into is definitely a sad one, it is a big moment in the redshirt junior’s career, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles it.