Gators Won't Face Gurley Based on NCAA Ruling
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | Football, Scott Carter
Georgia running back Todd Gurley scored two touchdowns last year against Florida (Photo: AJC)
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gators got a pregame victory Wednesday morning against Georgia if there is such a thing.
Suspended Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley will not play against Florida on Saturday according to a ruling issued by the NCAA.
While Gurley has missed the last two games for accepting more than $3,000 in cash for autographed memorabilia over the past two years, Gators coach Will Muschamp said Monday that he “absolutely” expected Gurley back on Saturday.
However, the onetime Heisman hopeful must sit out a total of four games – 30 percent of the season – based on the NCAA's ruling. Georgia plans to appeal the decision.
The case came to light three weeks ago and Georgia suspended Gurley as it launched an internal investigation into claims from an autograph broker.
In addition to missing four games, Gurley must repay a portion of the money received to a charity of his choice and complete 40 hours of community service.
Despite missing the last two games, Gurley still ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing yards (773) and leads the conference in yards per game (154.6). In Georgia's 23-20 victory over the Gators last year in Jacksonville, Gurley rushed for a game-high 100 yards on 17 carries and led the Bulldogs with 87 yards receiving, including a 73-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter that put Georgia ahead 14-0.
With Gurley unavailable, the Bulldogs have turned to freshman Nick Chubb, who is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and has 569 yards rushing on the season.
