Georgia wasn’t supposed to be in this position, not after an early-season loss to South Carolina poked holes in the validity of the Bulldogs’ lofty preseason ranking.

If you listened to the rest of the SEC and some media folks nationally, Todd Gurley’s unexpected suspension was the final entry on Georgia’s death certificate, a premature end to a possible run to the SEC Championship.

Plagued by what most outsiders deem as underachievement despite being in the middle of a hotbed of talent throughout his career, Mark Richt was heading toward disappointment, another season that fell short of expectations.

This 2014 campaign is different however and thanks to Richt’s ability to navigate through adversity, neither unscheduled setback mattered.

On the heels of a dominant victory at Arkansas, the Bulldogs ride a six-game winning streak into next weekend’s game against Florida and have all but locked up their third division title in four years.

How did Georgia make it look so easy despite several challenges?

Without college football’s top running back, best case was splitting road games at Mizzou and Arkansas which would provide a boost to others in the divisional race. That was squashed after Richt replaced his Heisman candidate in the backfield with Nick Chubb and didn’t miss a beat, averaging 39.5 points per win with the SEC’s top rushing offense.

Few expected an unbeaten October, but it happened.

The current obstacle, Gurley’s ongoing situation with the NCAA, could’ve crippled the team’s momentum, but it hasn’t been much of a distraction at all.

Georgia has handled the autograph investigation with precision in hopes of a quick and easy conclusion, applying for reinstatement this week after Gurley admitted guilt and expressed regret. The Bulldogs’ focus remained razor sharp throughout.

Richt’s politely answered questions concerning his stance and Gurley’s availability, all the while preparing his team for battle in the thick of conference play.

“I’m optimistic,” Richt said Wednesday. “I think that we as an institution and Todd as an athlete did everything within the protocol of the governing body, the NCAA. So, hopefully all will end well and hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Adversity started in the offseason and the Bulldogs pushed through it.

Not only has Georgia overcome losing a record-setting four-year starter at quarterback, but Richt has also been able to side-step several summer transfers, dismissals and disciplinary issues that often damage a team’s on-field success the ensuing season.

Much of that is under the rug now that the Bulldogs appear to be a College Football Playoff contender. Richt deserves credit for handling difficult situations and putting his team in the best position to win.

Oft-criticized for not winning big, does the narrative change if the veteran coach goes into Atlanta and topples the mighty West this season?