Mark Richt on Todd Gurley’s status: “I have no idea”
By Brad Rowland
The Georgia Bulldogs had no trouble offensively during the course of their blowout win over Missouri on Saturday, but even with that performance in the minds of every Dawg fan, many yearn for the swift return of Todd Gurley to the lineup. In that vein, head coach Mark Richt addressed the media on Sunday, and he stopped short of saying that Gurley would definitely be out of the lineup this Saturday against Arkansas.
UGA coach Mark Richt asked about chance suspended RB Todd Gurley could be available to play this week: "I have no idea."
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) October 12, 2014
Obviously, Richt’s assertion that he has “no idea” what will happen regarding Gurley doesn’t inspire a world of confidence, but at the same time, he could easily slam the door on the Heisman Trophy contender’s availability, and he certainly did not do that here. On the more positive side of things, Richt indicated that the Bulldogs may have an additional option at running back on Saturday, in the form of Keith Marshall.
Other tailbacks: Keith Marshall is possible this week, per Richt, who adds that Sony Michel may be able to return for the Florida game.
— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) October 12, 2014
The 5-foot-11 Marshall has only accumulated 12 carries this season, but if he is healthy enough to play, that would certainly lessen the load of freshman RB Nick Chubb. Chubb famously toted the rock 38 times during the win over Missouri, and while that was a blessing the short term, that type of workload is obviously unsustainable in the SEC.
It will be quite interesting to see what the UGA backfield looks like on Saturday afternoon in War Memorial Stadium, but until we hear definitive word on Todd Gurley’s future, everything is on hold with regard to the depth chart. Stay tuned.