Nick Chubb Cleared to Play
In some great news for Georgia Bulldog fans, Nick Chubb was medically cleared to play against North Carolina this Saturday. Not only will Chubb play, but he will not be held to a limited number of carries. Alpha Dawg Kirby Smart said,
"“We feel good about Nick, he feels great and is ready to go. He won’t be on a pitch count by any means. He’s been cleared. It’s a situation where he’s scrimmaged, and done live things, and he’s had a lot of practices where he’s carried it more than five-to-seven times.”"
What Does this Mean for Georgia?
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Assuming that Chubb is able to regain his pre-injury form it means that the Bulldogs just became a serious contender for the SEC East. Whoever Georgia’s starting quarterback is will benefit tremendously from Chubb’s presence. A healthy Chubb necessitates a stacked box. This will leave receivers in single coverage. That, in turn, should allow for big plays down the field.
Georgia’s defense will also benefit from Chubb’s return. Chubb should allow Georgia to control the clock when they need to by keeping the ball on the ground. This will be important because Georgia’s rebuilt front seven has some depth concerns.
Who Will Be Nick Chubb’s Backup Against UNC?
While Chubb’s injury won’t limit his carries, even healthy backs need breaks. Who will provide them for Chubb against North Carolina? Sony Michel, who so ably filled in for Chubb a season ago, is a game-time decision with a broken arm. Also, Freshman Elijah Holyfield is day-to-day with an ankle sprain.
That leaves Brendan Douglas as the unlikely beneficiary. The senior has 715 career rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. If called upon he will bring a steady, veteran presence to the Bulldog backfield.
Can Chubb Lead the Dawgs to a Season-Opening Win?
If he’s the Nick Chubb we all remember, absolutely. However, if he is a shell of his former self, the Bulldog offense will struggle mightily. I can’t wait to find out.