As good as Nick Chubb’s been in Gurley’s absence, David Ching notes that Georgia still gets a major step up in class with the return of Number 3.
Freshman Nick Chubb was phenomenal as Gurley’s replacement, ranking 10th in the FBS in rushes per game (25.5), fourth in rushing yards per game (167.8) and tying for fifth with 17 runs of 10-plus yards during his time as the Bulldogs’ starter.
But former Heisman Trophy frontrunner Gurley brings an entirely different level of production to the offense. In case you forgot, here is what the junior star had accomplished before Georgia coach Mark Richt benched him prior to the Missouri game.
Not only is he a home-run threat — Gurley (8.2 ypc) is on pace to become the third SEC player with at least 100 carries in a season to average at least 8 yards per carry, joining Arkansas’ Felix Jones (8.7 in 2007) and Auburn’s Brent Fullwood (8.3 in 1986) — but he also possesses a remarkable ability to make something out of nothing.
That’s where the veteran Gurley truly separates himself from freshman Chubb. On runs where he is hit at or behind the line of scrimmage, Gurley still averages 4.0 yards per carry, where Chubb averages just 1.0. The average against Power Five opponents on such carries is 0.5 ypc.
Get The Picture 
i’m just giddy that our 4th string tailback entering the season is now the SEC’s 3rd leading rusher. pretty damn incredible recruiting.
LikeLike
Lets play the what if game…What if Gurley has an outstanding game against Auburn, say, 200 plus yards and Georgia wins that game. Then Gurley proceeds to have games like that the rest of the season. Georgia wins the East and Gurley plays in the SECCG, having another outstanding game–so outstanding that Georgia upsets the West Champion and wins the SEC Championship. Whether a 2 loss Georgia gets picked for the 4 team playoff or not, Gurley will have amassed some incredible stats and shown himself to be (1) the best player in the nation and (2) demonstrated his ability to lift his team and how valuable he is to his team, one of the main Heisman considerations. Sure he would at that point have missed 4 games but he would have played in 9 games. There have been players who were injured and missed games but came back and still won the Heisman. I’m saying he still wins the Heisman in that scenario. Anybody else think so? Bueller?
LikeLike
What if pigs could fly?
LikeLike
Then they wouldn’t be pigs– they’ed be fat birds.
LikeLike
I’ll bet their wings would be really tasty, though.
LikeLike
I’d bet not… but probably nice drumsticks.
LikeLike
But fat birds don’t fly…
LikeLike
We’re a little chippy today aren’t we?
What if everything is an illusion and nothing exists? In that case, I definitely overpaid for my carpet.
LikeLike
I think the most he’d get would be an invite to the ceremony. Of course, if Jameis isn’t knocking off a convenience store or assaulting some woman at the same time as the ceremony, he’ll be there for sure.
LikeLike
No, I don’t think he wins it regardless of what we/he does the rest of the year. He is the best running back in the country, and who knows, maybe the best player. It is hard to define, but this award hasn’t been about “the best” is so very long it has become laughable. Todd didn’t miss four games from injury, he made a conscious decision to risk his opportunity, and the team’s chances to achieve the entire year’s goal. Yes, a silly rule, and not enforced equally, but you cannot equate this with injury, He will get rewarded by the NFL whether he goes to NYC, or not.
LikeLike
“He will get rewarded by the NFL whether he goes to NYC, or not.”
He will be rewarded but the university and Gurley took a hit over that signing episode. Selfish perhaps but Gurley’s pales in comparison to the shortsighted selfishness of the memorabilia salesman. It’s only a game sure and we all move on but to think of what might have been is kinda numbing.
…What’s particularly impressive is that, given the smaller contract values, that difference in earnings gap is now a 75% increase for the Heisman winners. Over the current four-year rookie deals, the recent Heisman winners are netting, on average, about $450,000 more per season.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2013/12/14/how-much-is-a-heisman-worth-for-future-nfl-players-the-gains-could-be-immense/
LikeLike
I can’t disagree at all, we did all lose over that decision, and I hate that. TG has been a class act ever since he hit campus but this was a mistake that will always be attached to his name. We all know the rule stinks but short term thinking takes another victim. Hope he can get us to Atlanta and win a ring for himself, his team, and the program…best way to minimize conversation about the “other thingy”. Let’s start the process tonight.
LikeLike
It’s going to Mariotta especially if they win the Pac12.
LikeLike
Anybody know what Gurley did as his community service punishment?
LikeLike
Was he required to complete the sentence before his return to the team?
LikeLike
Knowing how McGarity kowtows to the ncaa, is there any doubt? Does anyone really think McGarity would let it slide til after the season is over and Gurley is getting ready for the draft (like ohio state players did).
LikeLike
Gurley’s absense elevated the team’s self confindence. So even in his absense he was contributing.
LikeLike
Agree!
LikeLike