Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs past Auburn Tigers defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not easy to overlook the departure of Todd Gurley, but when you’ve got Nick Chubb to turn to, it’s not too difficult.
Gurley was the Heisman front-runner the first half of last season before a signature scandal cost him four games. He returned against Auburn and didn’t miss a beat with 138 yards, but tore his ACL in the process.
Meanwhile, Chubb became a workhorse while Gurley was sidelined and ranked up a staggering 1,547 yards, 14 touchdowns and a 7.4 yards per carry average as a true freshman – which is more rushing yards in a single-season than Gurley ever had for the Bulldogs. Chubb ran for more than 100 yards and scored at least one touchdown in each of his last eight games, and had 200 yards twice, including 266 yards against Louisville in the Belk Bowl.
But Georgia’s wealth at the running back position doesn’t stop with Chubb. Sony Michel was actually a more highly recruited running back in the 2014 recruiting class. Michel ran for 410 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Georgia also has Brendan Douglas (55 carries, 230 yards, 2TDs) for depth, not to mention senior Keith Marshall (12 carries, 24 yards in three games) who was more highly recruited than Gurley and ran for 759 yards and eight TDs as a true freshman in 2012.
Next: 2. Alabama