With the Todd Gurley suspension, what Georgia player will step up in his absence?
The Georgia Bulldogs received some bad news yesterday when they learned that star running back Todd Gurley was being suspended by the NCAA indefinitely. He has reportedly been suspended until an investigation is completed about whether or not he has accepted money for autographs, memorabilia, or the usage of his likeness. It hasn’t been reported how long this investigation could take, but it leaves the Bulldogs’ offense hurting for production out of the backfield.
So the question becomes, who will step up for Georgia while Gurley is suspended?
There are two freshman running backs that were the primary backups for Gurley, and they will be asked to step up in a big way. Nick Chubb has carried the football 31 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns so far this season, and has a decent chance to win the starting job. Sony Michel on the other hand is currently injured, and isn’t expected back for another few weeks.
Chubb appears to be the starter for the Bulldogs’ for their game against Missouri, with Brendan Douglas as his primary backup. The Bulldogs are hoping to get junior Keith Marshall back next week, which would be a huge addition for their offense. Marshall has had a lot more experience and has shown the ability to help carry the offense in the past.
Losing Gurley puts a completely different outlook on the Bulldogs’ season though, as no one is going to replace the type of production and impact that he has had for Georgia’s offense. He was leading the Heisman Trophy race according to quite a few different analysts, and has been getting a lot of glowing comments from NFL scouts. This type of suspension will likely end Gurley’s Heisman chances, but won’t likely make an impact on his NFL Draft stock.
Marshall and Chubb will be the main two players that have to keep the rushing production up to par, and they are more than capable. This suspension also means that senior quarterback Hutson Mason will have to pick his game up as well, and he has thrown for just 687 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions on the season.
Needless to say, the Bulldogs’ offense will likely take a major hit moving forward without Gurley. There are players that are capable of stepping up and producing at a high level, but Gurley’s production was a step above what most can provide. Georgia is still going to be a very good football team, but they will miss their starting running back until he is able to come back off of the suspension.
It’s hard to even talk about what the Bulldogs are going to do without their star until we see their plan against Missouri. Hopefully this allegation of money taking by Gurley ends up being false, and he can re-join the Bulldogs in the near future. Until then, the reigns will be handed to the bench, who will have to put together good games in order to keep Georgia winning football games.
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