It was a long time coming.  Hutson Mason arrived on campus in Athens five years ago with high hopes, only to run into a quarterback named Murray who would go on to set school and conference passing records.

But on Saturday evening, it was Mason’s turn to run out with the first-team offense.

Mason faced a good defense in just his third career start, and he did exactly what he needed to do.  He completed 18 of 26 passes for 131 yards.  He didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions, but he did rush for a touchdown.  Mason used the weapons around him; eight different Bulldogs caught a pass against the Tigers.

More importantly, he didn’t create any negative plays for the ‘Dawgs.  The Georgia offensive line didn’t allow a sack, and the Bulldogs committed no turnovers.  For Mark Richt, it was exactly what he was hoping to see from Mason.

“[Hutson Mason] was solid.  He managed the game well,” Richt told media postgame.  “Clemson has a formidable pass rush, so he had to get rid of it sooner than he wanted.  But we’ll get better at throwing and passing.”

When you have Todd Gurley, you don’t have to be spectacular.

“He makes it easy for us,” Mason after Saturday night’s win.  “You just have to give him the ball every chance you get.”

Georgia now heads into a bye week with a trip to South Carolina looming.