5 defining moments of Georgia's 2014 season
Georgia capped off its 2014 season with a dominating 37-14 win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl to finish with a 10-3 record. SDS takes a look at the five moments that defined another double-digit win season for the Bulldogs.
5. Todd Gurley records 293 all-purpose yards in season-opener
The hype was real for running back Todd Gurley and his quest for the 2014 Heisman Trophy. And boy, did the junior not disappoint in the season opener. Against Clemson, Gurley didn’t hold back. He recorded 293 all-purpose yards, highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Following this game, it seemed as if Gurley was unstoppable and a lock to be a Heisman Trophy candidate come December.
Memorable quote: “I think he’s the best player in America or at least one of them.” — UGA head coach Mark Richt on Gurley.
4. Indefinite suspension of Todd Gurley for NCAA rules violation
Arguably the biggest story of the entire college football season came in October when Gurley was indefinitely suspended for violating NCAA rules.
Reports surfaced it was for accepting extra benefits in exchange for his signature. He was out two weeks before the NCAA officially ruled on the matter, eventually making it a four-game suspension. The suspension not only ended Gurley’s Heisman campaign, but it also gave way to Nick Chubb.
Memorable quote: “We are very disappointed in tonight’s decision by the Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee regarding our appeal on Todd Gurley’s eligibility reinstatement. “We believe our case to the NCAA for Todd’s immediate reinstatement was strong and compelling” — Georgia said in its statement on the NCAA’s ruling.
3. Emergence of Nick Chubb against Missouri
Gurley’s suspension was expected to derail the Bulldogs … I mean what team could withstand the loss of college football’s best offensive player?
As it turns out, UGA may have had an even better running back waiting in the wings. Because of Gurley’s absence, true freshman Nick Chubb received his first start in what was a crucial SEC East game on the road at Missouri. Chubb didn’t disappoint.
He finished the game with 174 total yards and one touchdown, which would turn out to be one of his less productive games by the conclusion of the season.
Memorable quote: “We need to show everybody and show ourselves that there’s 10 other guys on offense that are making this thing go.” — Hutson Mason on UGA after Gurley’s suspension.
2. Gurley returns from suspension, tears ACL
After four games, Todd Gurley was finally eligible to return on Nov. 15 in a big rivalry game against Auburn. No. 3 brought back a ton of energy and swagger to Georgia, who completely dismantled the Tigers, 34-7.
Gurley and Chubb were destined to be a force for the remainder of the season, but as quickly as Gurley returned, he was gone again. In the fourth quarter, he suffered a torn ACL, effectively ending his season as well as his Georgia career.
Memorable quote: “Loved the big games, and play his heart out for Georgia. Just really proud that I had an opportunity to coach him.” — Richt on Gurley’s career with Georgia
1. Georgia loses to Florida, 37-20
Georgia and Florida were going in opposite directions heading into this year’s World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The ‘Dawgs were rolling and Will Muschamp was playing for his job.
But in a shocking upset, the Gators dominated Georgia, 37-20, behind a heavy running attack. The Gators threw just six passes all game.
While this loss didn’t knock Georgia out altogether in the SEC East race, it gave Missouri control of its own destiny and Georgia ended up missing out on the SEC Championship by one game.
Memorable quote: “We knew we were going to pound them and pound them and were going to keep pounding them. We weren’t going to be denied.” — UF running back Kelvin Taylor on upsetting Georgia.