Murray says he will start vs. Jackets

ATHENS -- Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray said Tuesday he's "pretty much pain-free" and will definitely start against rival Georgia Tech.

Murray sustained a bruised left knee and bruised sternum in a Nov. 13 loss to Auburn. He didn't practice during an off week, but he returned to the field Monday and had no major problems.

After the latest workout, Murray proclaimed himself ready to go.

"I knew I was going to play," he said. "I don't care if I have a broken leg, I'm going to play in this game. I knew the pain wasn't anything bad."

Daily treatment and the extra time off has given Murray time to recover.

"It's progressing and getting better every day, so I knew that if we keep progressing daily I'll be fine by the game," he said. "These past few days have been pretty much pain-free."

Murray actually sustained the bruised sternum early in the Auburn game, but played through the discomfort. He was struck in the knee late in the game, and freshman Hutson Mason took the final few snaps.

"You're always going to have nicks here and there, and I've had a couple here and there throughout the year," Murray said. "But usually when I get out there and start playing, I usually don't really feel anything. It's just go out there and play, so it really didn't bother me at all during the game."

Coach Mark Richt said he's confident that Murray will be ready to play. The Bulldogs scale back their workouts the rest of the week, reducing the chances of the redshirt freshman having any additional problems.

"At the rate he is going and his mentality right now, I think he has every intention of playing," Richt said. "We're pretty sure he'll play. We hope there is not a setback. I don't foresee one."

Georgia (5-6) needs to beat Georgia Tech (6-5) to become bowl eligible, and the Bulldogs definitely will have a much better chance of knocking off the Yellow Jackets with their No. 1 quarterback.

Murray is the league's fifth-rated passer, throwing for 2,580 yards with 21 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Mason has played in just four games, throwing 17 passes.

"I haven't had any pain in two days, and I feel great throwing the ball," Murray said. "I'm ready to go."