Checking in on the mid-season temperatures in Athens, Ga.

HOT

Nick Chubb. In the midst of a tumultuous week for the Georgia Bulldogs, it was true freshman running back Nick Chubb who shouldered the responsibilty of filling in during Todd Gurley’s absence. He saved his best game for his first collegiate start. Not to mention, it was in arguably Georgia’s biggest game of the season. He carried the rock 38 times for 143 yards and one touchdown. His performance was a huge key in Georgia’s 34-0 blowout win over Missouri as the ‘Dawgs are now in the driver’s seat of the SEC East race.

WARM

Pass rush. After a strong opening week against Clemson with five sacks, the UGA pass rush calmed down a bit. But now Georgia’s strongest aspect on defense is on quite a tear, recording seven sacks in the last three games. Aside from the sacks, the Bulldogs put immense pressure on Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk last weekend, making him very uncomfortable all game. The strong pass rush forced four interceptions from Mauk and set the tone virtually all game.

COLD

Running back depth. While Nick Chubb’s 38 carry performance was nothing short of amazing, it’s doubtful that a true freshman can withstand that kind of beating week in and week out. Brendan Douglas is a capable back behind Chubb, but it’s still nowhere near the depth UGA had at the position at the beginning of the season. With Keith Marshall on the mend and Sony Michel recovering, UGA should be full strength soon, but judging by Mark Richt’s comments this week, it’ll probably be November before they’re fully healthy. In the meantime, UGA has switched defensive back JJ Green back to running back for the time being in order to bolster its depth against Arkansas.

FROZEN

Todd Gurley. Yes, he’s practicing right now, but it’s safe to say this will be a week Gurley would like to forget. The NCAA has yet to hand down an official ruling on just how much longer (or if) he’ll be suspended, but it’s definitely cast a shadow on what otherwise has been an incredible collegiate career. Hopefully for the sake of Gurley and college football, this will all end sooner rather than later and fans can get back to enjoy watching No. 3 run all over defenses.