Aggies’ QB looks to add to resume against Georgia defense

By Bud L. Ellis

He stands 6-foot-5, but from the perspective of the Georgia defense, Jerrord Johnson must look larger than life.

The challenge for the Bulldogs entering the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., on Dec. 28, is to slow the second-team All-Big 12 selection.

The Texas A&M quarterback grabbed the nation’s attention with his performance against Texas on Thanksgiving weekend, going 26-for-33 for 342 yards and four touchdowns against the Longhorns. Johnson also rushed for 97 yards on 14 carries against Texas.

It was, in every sense of the word, a breakthrough performance, especially for a guy who opened last season catching passes, not throwing them.

Johnson started 2008 as a wide receiver, but took over at quarterback early in the season and started the final 10 games of the season under center, setting a school record with 21 touchdown passes.

In 2009, Johnson has become one of the more prolific quarterbacks in the nation. He ranks sixth in the nation in total offense, 14th in total passing yards and 15th in passing yards per game. He’s topped 300 yards passing seven times, and his 51 career passing touchdowns is a school record.

All of this is far from comforting for a Georgia defense that allowed 30-plus points six times this season, a defense that comes into the Independence Bowl having fired its defensive coordinator and two assistants.

The Aggies can take control of this one if Johnson can unleash the offensive arsenal he’s displayed all season. It could be a very long day for the Georgia defense.

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Friday, December 18, 2009 at 11:40 pm by bud

Tags: Big 12, Georgia, Independence Bowl, Jerrord Johnson, Texas, Texas A&M