Auburn Football: Scouting the Georgia Bulldogs Offense

Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs past Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Darreon Herring (35) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

One of the top storylines in college football this week is the return of Todd Gurley. The junior was the Heisman Trophy front-runner in early October after he ran for 773 yards and eight touchdowns over the first five games of the season. Those big numbers came despite a reduced workload as a result of blowout non-conference victories and a desire to keep him fresh later in the season.

Of course, scandal struck and Gurley was suspended for taking money in return for autographs. He’s missed four games, but the Bulldogs’ rushing attack didn’t miss a beat in his absence.

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With Gurley out, true freshman Nick Chubb has been a workhorse. In the last four games, Chubb has accumulated 671 yards and five touchdowns on 102 carries, including 140-plus yards in each contest. Last week against Kentucky, he gained 170 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries.

Chubb now has 895 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 133 carries this year and has added two receiving touchdowns and 129 yards on 13 catches.

Sony Michel, also a true freshman and rated slightly ahead of Chubb coming out of high school, has 307 yards and four TDs on 39 carries – none of which has resulted in a negative play. However, Michel is questionable to play this week, as is Keith Marshall.

The junior is one of the SEC’s most talented players, but injuries have slowed him significantly in each of the last two seasons. Brendan Douglas provides depth and Quayvon Hicks is the fullback in the pro-style offense.

Next: Georgia Bulldogs Receivers