Although Todd Gurley is currently suspended by the NCAA, Florida coach Will Muschamp said he is certain the Georgia tailback will suit up for Saturday’s matchup in Jacksonville.
"Absolutely. I would expect him to play," Muschamp said.
Gurley has missed the Bulldogs’ past two games while the NCAA conducted an investigation on whether he signed memorabilia for profit. However, Georgia applied for Gurley’s reinstatement last week and expects the NCAA to be prompt in its ruling.
"I think we as an institution and Todd as a student-athlete did everything within the protocol of the governing body, the NCAA, so hopefully it all will end well and hopefully sooner than later," Georgia coach Mark Richt said last week.
In the five games prior to his suspension, Gurley averaged 154.6 yards per contest while racking up eight touchdowns.
The junior running back scorched Florida for two scores during last season’s annual rivalry matchup. Gurley recorded a game-high 100 yards off 17 carries as well.
"Extremely talented running back in Todd Gurley," Muschamp said. "One of the best football players in college football. He’s a violent runner. He’s a great competitor, a guy that really competes on every down in what he does."
Jeff Driskel’s role with the team: After benching redshirt junior Jeff Driskel in favor of freshman Treon Harris, Muschamp said he still would have a role for Driskel in the offense for Florida’s game against Georgia.
However, Muschamp has not yet decided on the extent of the veteran quarterback’s involvement.
"Jeff’s had a sore back a little bit," Muschamp said. "He missed most of last week as far as just getting some rest with him. But he’ll be back at practice (Monday) and be ready to go. And we’ll identify those things moving forward."
Driskel had to be helped off the field last week against Missouri when he was sacked late in the first half. After the game, Muschamp said Driskel had the air knocked out of him and the injury was nothing serious.
Turnover margins: Heading into this week in college football, Georgia leads the nation with a plus-13 turnover margin.
The Bulldogs also have the fewest turnovers in the country with just four recorded in seven games.
"That’s the reason why they are where they are," Muschamp said. "One fumble and three interceptions. They take care of the football."
On the flip side, Florida is tied for 59th with an even turnover margin at zero while racking up 16 turnovers in six contests.
After the Gators’ first two games against Eastern Michigan and Kentucky, they recorded a turnover margin of plus-7, which was among the best in college football.
But in its past two losses, Florida has lost the ball nine times including six last week against Missouri.
"We have the ball security period every single day that we’ve been doing for two years now, so, we changed up some things we were doing as far as that was concerned, but just continuing taking care of the football," Muschamp said. "You can’t turn it over six times and win. It’s not going to happen."
Follow Jonathan Czupryn on Twitter @JCzupryn
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray (11) hands off the football to running back Todd Gurley (3) during Florida’s 23-20 loss to Georgia on Saturday at EverBank field in Jacksonville. Gurley rushed for 100 yards against UF.
