Georgia Football: Could Sony Michel's Breakout Hurt Todd Gurley's Heisman Bid?

Oddly enough, the Heisman hopes of Georgia’s Todd Gurley took a hit during the Bulldogs’ 66-0 win over Troy on Saturday.

To be clear, there was nothing wrong with the star junior running back’s effort.  Understandably, he was not heavily relied upon during the blowout, but he still managed to turn six carries into 73 rushing yards.  In doing so, he upped his season-long yards per carry average to above 9.8.

But the emergence of first-year running back Sony Michel on Saturday could actually hurt Gurley’s Heisman bid.

Michel, who ran the ball 10 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns, did more than simply rack up video game statistics against an out-classed opponent.  To the contrary, his prolonged playing time accentuated the flashes of greatness he’d already shown in two prior games as a true freshman.

Against Clemson and South Carolina, Michel had his moments.  He was a viable threat in the passing game and a hard-nosed runner when called upon.  On Saturday, however, Michel announced his arrival as the next in a long line of talented Georgia running backs.

The stellar running of Michel on Saturday will make conserving Gurley’s energy—keeping his legs fresh and saving him for the biggest moments—all the more realistic.  Though that philosophy has been used by Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo before, it had drawn criticism from fans who clamor to see Gurley carry the ball on every play possible.  Now, with another legitimate star in the backfield, that somewhat unpopular strategy may become more commonplace.

Gurley, who also emerged as a true freshman star back in 2012, has never been accused of being over-worked by the Georgia offense.  Injuries in 2013 limited his repetitions, but even when fully healthy his usage rate is lower than traditional Heisman candidates.  In 26 career games, Gurley has never carried the ball more than 30 times.  He’s surpassed 25 carries on just two occasions. 

Player	Carries Per Game	Rushing Yards Per Game	Rushing Touchdowns Per Game
Todd Gurley	13.67	134.00	1.33
Mark Ingram	19.36	118.43	1.21
Ron Dayne	28.08	169.50	1.67
Ricky Williams	32.82	193.09	2.45

But that shortage in touches has not limited production.  To the contrary, the lower rate of utility has enabled Gurley to do amazing things when he does touch the football, because he gets his opportunities when he’s fresh.

If Michel can join fellow-freshman Nick Chubb in spelling Gurley on the field without reducing the explosiveness of Georgia’s offense, then this team could continue to progress at alarming rates.  Chubb, who broke out with a bruising performance against Clemson in Week 1, fills in nicely for Gurley with his physical running style and his affinity for breaking tackles.  But Michel may be the better offensive threat thanks to his versatility.

Michel, after all, has already established himself as more than a dual-threat out of the backfield.  Yes, he makes catches as well as he finds seems on the ground as a running back.  But he’s also capable of lining up out wide as a receiver.  He is a nightmare to defend, because he’s a threat at multiple positions and has the ability to make a play from anywhere on the field.

Michel is not a runner of Gurley’s caliber—at least not yet.  And truthfully, his skill set much more closely resembles that of former Bulldog Knowshon Moreno than that of Gurley.  But the headache Michel can give an opposing defensive coordinator means there may not be a noticeable drop off in the offense’s capability when Michel takes the field.

David Goldman/Associated Press

As Georgia enters the core of its SEC schedule and seven consecutive conference games, keeping Gurley healthy and as effective as possible will take priority above statistical production and Heisman campaigning.  After all, Gurley is at his best when he’s able to dole out punishing runs while remaining a big-play threat on every carry.  He can’t do that if he’s banged up or fatigued.

Georgia will be a better team if Michel (and Chubb) can spare wear and tear on Todd Gurley, but that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs can’t feed Gurley.  He just may get his fill on dessert in meaningful fourth quarters against SEC powers.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.