2012 SEC Championship: Aaron Murray asks out of media responsibilities

Georgia Bulldogs 'quarterback Aaron Murray will not speak to the media this week leading up to his team's SEC Championship game against No. 2 Alabama, according to the AJC.

Georgia coach Mark Richt granted the request for Murray not to speak. He will talk to the media after the game, according to the report. Only linebacker Christian Robinson commented on the situation via conference call Monday – one of three UGA student-athletes to take part:

"I don't think it has anything to do with the media. I don't think he's trying to send a message. I just think he's so dedicated this week to being prepared. He wasn't at the house (Sunday); he was here studying film all day. He's just a great competitor, one of my great friends, and I know this one means so much to him. He works his tail off every day and people don't see that. He just wants to be completely ready and not have any distractions. He's just trying to prepare and I don't think it's bigger than that."

Murray, a junior, has struggled against ranked teams this year. In Georgia's only loss this season (35-7 to No. 6 South Carolina), Murray was 11-for-31 for 109 yards and an interception.

Against No. 2 Florida, Murray was 12-for-24 for 150 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. The Bulldogs won that game, though, 17-9.

Overall this season, Murray has been strong. He's completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,201 yards and 30 touchdowns. He's thrown seven interceptions in 12 games, with three of those coming against Florida.

No. 3 Georgia plays No. 2 Alabama on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET with the SEC Championship on the line.