The future is now — at least for the Georgia Bulldogs.

On a night where injuries abruptly and prematurely ended the collegiate careers of seniors Hutson Mason and wideout Michael Bennett, it was the young pups, the freshman ‘Dawgs that made the biggest impact.

Running back Nick Chubb continued to do Nick Chubb-like things. Of course, this isn’t anything new for those that have seen that latter half of Georgia’s season.

Chubb went off, running for 269 yards and two touchdowns, which set a UGA bowl record and surpassed Garrison Hearst for the fourth-most rushing yards in a single season by a Georgia running back.

Did I mention Louisville had the No. 2 ranked run defense coming into tonight’s matchup? The Cardinals also had several weeks to prepare for Chubb and the UGA rushing attack. Based off of tonight’s result, the preparation didn’t really matter.

At times throughout the game, he showed just how wide of a skill set he possess. Whether its bowling through multiple defenders en route to a tough, physical 31-yard touchdown run or outrunning the Louisville secondary for 82 yards, Chubb can do it all.

Chubb’s Belk Bowl performance will likely act as a launching pad for his 2015 Heisman campaign. Not only has Chubb taken college football by storm, but he continues to get better with every passing game.

No one knows how Chubb’s collegiate career will ultimately pan out, but if his freshman year is of any indication, unstoppable may be the best word to describe him.

RELATED: Video: Nick Chubb beasts his way to the end zone

Georgia didn’t get to realize the full potential of Todd Gurley this year, someone who was considered the best offensive player in college football and a probable Heisman Trophy candidate. But UGA is getting a Gurley clone in Nick Chubb.

Gurley may no longer be a Bulldog, but the pain of his departure won’t last long — if it hasn’t subsided already — with a running back like Chubb returning in 2015, who will be just a sophomore.

In fact, UGA fans may very well carry Gurley to the NFL Draft after Chubb’s herculean-like performance in the Belk Bowl.

Behind Chubb, Georgia has an embarrassment of riches at running back. Backup and true freshman Sony Michel also showcased what he can contribute as a change-of-pace back.

Although he won’t be a primary of an option as Chubb in the future, Michel is quickly developing into a very reliable No. 2 option in the backfield. Michel may get overshadowed by Chubb, but SEC teams certainly wouldn’t mind having No. 1 in their backfield.

Georgia just didn’t have freshmen standouts on offense in the Belk Bowl.

Defensively, safety Dominick Sanders enjoyed a breakout game and his bowl performance may be the biggest encouraging sign out of all the UGA freshman from the Belk Bowl.

RELATED: Video: Georgia strikes first in the Belk Bowl

Coming into the season, the Georgia secondary was a giant question mark. Thanks to significant attrition in which the Bulldogs lost several defensive backs, no one knew exactly what to expect out of Jeremy Pruitt’s secondary in 2014.

But Sanders capped off an unexpectedly impressive season with two interceptions, displaying the same kind of ball hawk skills Georgia will be losing when Damian Swann leaves.

So while the secondary was expected to be a liability for Georgia, it’s freshmen like Sanders who will bring some stability to a crucial position in Pruitt’s defense.

Somewhat poetically, Georgia decided to move on from a disappointing 2014 season before the offseason.

This regular season was marred by what could have been for the ‘Dawgs, who seemingly did less with more than any other team in the SEC. Fans only wanted to forget about 2014 and focus on the future.

Tonight’s Belk Bowl provided spectators with more than a glimpse of what to expect in 2015.

Yes, Georgia will be losing the likes of Gurley, the starting quarterback (Mason), the team’s top two receivers and several defensive starters, but this freshmen group — headlined by Chubb — will provide a more than stable foundation for Georgia football over the next few seasons.

Not to mention, returning four out of five offensive lineman in addition to a bevy of key defensive players won’t hurt, either.

“It was a great win,” Chubb said following the game to ESPN’s Cara Capuano. “It’ll carry momentum into next year. We’ve got a long way to go, but I have a lot of faith that we’ll get there.”

Forget about the 2014 season, Georgia fans. The future looks bright.