Georgia QB Aaron Murray is looking forward to facing Jadeveon Clowney

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray didn’t get off to the kind of start he wanted to in 2013. He certainly didn’t have a bad game, completing 20 of 29 passes for 323 yards, but he was held without a touchdown, threw an interception and was sacked four times in a 38-35 season opening loss to the Clemson Tigers.

It doesn’t get any easier for Murray and the Bulldogs this week when they host Jadeveon Clowney and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Obviously it’s tough to start the season against two teams currently ranked in the top six, but it’s a chance for Murray’s Bulldogs to get back on the right track and he’s excited about it.

“It’s tough, especially a game like that,” Murray told Dan Patrick n The Dan Patrick Show (via Pro Football Talk) Wednesday. “I think the great thing is having a game like South Carolina this upcoming weekend we’re almost forced  to push that game behind us and get ready for another big game, an SEC game and our first home game.”

During the offseason, Clowney told reporters players like Murray and Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd were scared of him. Murray won’t take the bait and instead has continued to heap praise on Clowney.

“He’s an extremely talented pass rusher, extremely talented against the run,” Murray said. “Physically, there’s not many guys like him walking down the street that’s for sure.”

Clowney’s Gamecocks have defeated Murray’s Bulldogs both times they have squared off. In fact, Murray is 0-3 against the Gamecocks in his career. Last year, Clowney had four tackles and a sack in South Carolina’s 35-7 victory. Murray had his worst game of the season, going 11-of-31 for 109 yards and an interception.

Kickoff between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks Saturday is scheduled for 4:30 pm EST and the game will be on ESPN.