The University of Georgia was missing a big piece of their team when they got on the plane to travel to Arkansas to face the Razorbacks. Running back Todd Gurley will once again miss the game due to an NCAA Investigation that has him suspended indefinitely. Georgia managed to beat Missouri in their first game without the Heisman candidate, but can they keep up the success? Arkansas is coming off a close loss to Alabama and has the confidence to face Georgia.
In place of Gurley, freshman Nick Chubb rushed for 143 yards off 38 carries as the Bulldogs shutout Missouri 34-0. Chubb will remain the starting running back for the team for the duration of Gurley's suspension which is at risk of going a full season. Depth at the position is a major issue so Chubb must stay healthy. There was a chance that Keith Marshall could be on the field to help out, but he is still suffering from knee and ankle injuries. Freshman Sony Michel is out with a shoulder injury. Brendan Douglas is the only other healthy back to help backup Chubb.
Georgia remains a top rushing team in the league, but so if Arkansas. The Razorbacks average 278.7 rushing yards per game as both Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams have over 500 yards of rushing on the year. Gurley had 773 prior to his suspension. Brandon Allen will need to running help as he has 997 yards with a 57.7 completion percentage. Hunter Mason on the other hand has the shortest passing average from scrimmage as his passes only travel around 6.1 yards.
Arkansas' struggles continue. They are playing their third straight game against a ranked opponent. They losing in overtime to Texas A&M and then to Alabama. They have recorded 15 straight defeats in the SEC and could risk making this Saturday No. 16. The team intends to remain competitive, unlike last year when they lost their final nine games.