Add another item to the list of things not going the Florida Gators’ way this season.

“I really want [Todd Gurley] to play,” defensive end Dante Fowler said. “He’s a great player, and great players bring great competition out of you.”

It was revealed Wednesday morning by the NCAA that Gurley will be suspended an additional two games on top of the two games he’s already missed, putting him eligible to play on Nov. 15. Even if UGA appeals, there’s a slim chance a reversal of punishment by the NCAA reinstates Gurley in time for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

So what does all of this mean for Florida this weekend?

A heavy dose of Nick Chubb.

Depending on how you look at it, Gurley’s absence could be a blessing and a curse at the same time for the Gators.

It’s foolish to think Florida’s job of defeating Georgia is harder without Gurley in the lineup, no matter how well Georgia’s played without him.  He averages over eight yards a carry and is an absolute nemesis for the Gators, racking up 305 total yards and three touchdowns during the teams’ last two meetings.

Not to mention, he’s atop many lists as the top player in college football.

RELATED: NCAA reveals punishment for Todd Gurley

The combination of Chubb and Gurley would be a lethal duo this weekend and virtually impossible to stop, even with a talented Gators’ run defense. The two powerful runners would likely wear down Florida, similar to what occurred against Alabama when the Crimson Tide rushed for 166 yards in the second half en route to a 42-21 victory.

Still, the Gators will have a tough task ahead of them without facing No. 3.

In the two games Gurley’s missed, Chubb has more than filled the void, rushing for 345 yards and three touchdowns. As for the workload, there’s no concern there. He’s carried the ball 68 times in those two games.

Without Gurley, Georgia’s played its best football of the season with dominating wins on the road against Missouri and Arkansas, setting up the Bulldogs for a likely SEC Championship berth.

Chubb has a unique combination of size, speed and strength. He’s not as tall as Gurley, but Chubb’s 5-foot-10, 225-pound back bowls through the defensive line like an unstoppable force. Just ask Missouri or Arkansas.

The Gators said Gurley’s absence won’t change their preparation this week, but they know there’s not much of a break in facing Chubb over Gurley.

“Those guys are all physical guys that run the ball north-south pretty quickly, so I don’t know that there’s difference in how they run,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “Obviously, Todd’s got a lot of experience and Nick’s been a guy that’s come along and played extremely well for them.”

Chubb’s emerged as one of the best backs in the SEC over the last few weeks and there’s no denying that. Not only does he have the raw talent and size to be a dominating force in the backfield, but now he’s got the confidence to match. For a young player like Chubb that can make all the difference.

RELATED: The Chubb Factor: Georgia’s not-so-secret rookie wheels better than Gurley?

“I had to step up, Chubb said last week. “I had the rest of my teammates behind me, helping me out and pushing me. It’s a big role, the Georgia running back. Not only that, but coming in after Todd.”

“I felt more comfortable back there in the backfield… Todd has big shoes to fill, but I’m coming in here and playing hard,” he added.

A 3-3 overall record makes this an absolute must-win game if the Gators still want to reach Atlanta, and so far this season, “must-win” games haven’t been a high point for the Gators.

Chubb will once again be the focal point of Georgia’s offense and if Florida wants to think about an upset on Saturday, limiting his production will have to be top priority.

 

Video: Sound off on Gurley’s ridiculous ‘punishment’