Mark Richt has a problem any coach in the country would love to have heading into Saturday’s game against Auburn.

Georgia’s leader along with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo gets to play puppeteer for the Bulldogs’ running game, splitting carries between talented freshman Nick Chubb and prolific junior Todd Gurley, who is making his return to the lineup after a four-game suspension.

How does one decide a solution to such a predicament?

Reserve seats for both backs at the feeding table.

RELATED: The Nick Chubb Factor

Chubb’s not being benched, just relegated to second-team totes in favor of one of the top rushers in program history. Looking at Chubb’s early-career trajectory however, he’s on a path that could exceed Gurley’s crazy numbers if he stays healthy.

2014 Nick Chubb vs. 2012 Todd Gurley (as true freshmen through 9 games)
Carries Yards Rush TD Yds per touch YPC Total TD
CHUBB 133 895 7 7.0 6.7 9
GURLEY 138 857 10 6.4 6.2 10

It hasn’t taken Chubb long to make a name for himself as ‘the guy’ during Gurley’s time away from the field. He’s rushed for at least 143 yards in each of his four career starts, averaging 167.8 rushing yards per game during that stretch.

He was rarely tackled in last weekend’s win at Kentucky, picking up 170 yards on just 13 carries as he steamrolled his way through a defense gasping for air.

RELATED: Georgia’s RB dilemma upon Gurley’s return

Gurley compiled nine 100-yard games as a freshman in 2012, but he became the starter in September compared to Chubb inheriting the bulk of the load on Oct. 11. Had Gurley been suspended for the duration by the NCAA, it’s likely Chubb would have exceeded Gurley’s 1,385-yard freshman mark barring injury this season.

Richt’s making the right decision trotting Gurley out there first on Saturday against Auburn, the kid’s earned it and did nothing to lose his job. Before admitting to signing autographs for a small fee, the Heisman candidate was leading the SEC in rushing at 154.6 yards per game and had scored eight touchdowns in five starts.

It’s frightening to think of what this Georgia backfield would be next season with a sophomore who said after the Kentucky win that the ‘game’s slowing down’ for him and a seasoned senior with plenty of tread. Pipe dream, sure, because we know Gurley’s a first-round pick, but Richt will enjoy these final four — possible five — games with Nos. 3 and 27 at his disposal.

Is it safe to predict the first two plays for the Bulldogs this weekend?

Stretch right to Gurley. Toss left to Chubb.

Bobo’s already excited.