5 Takeaways From Georgia Football’s Week 7 Win Without Todd Gurley

If there was ever a week Mike Bobo's offense was going to be held to fewer than 30 points, this should have been it. No Todd Gurley and a fierce pass rush against a struggling quarterback should have slowed the point production. That's not how it played out. The offense was clicking on all cylinders and methodically drove down the field over and over again, propelling the Bulldogs to 34 points and a victory.

Now seven weeks in, we know exactly who Hutson Mason is. He's a capable quarterback who can get the job done. He's not going to do it in spectacular fashion, however. He completed 28 passes, but for only 156 yards for a minuscule 5.6 yards per attempt. That was partly due to the Missouri defense, but it's also who Mason is: an accurate quarterback who will put the ball where it needs to be. The good news is Georgia doesn't need him to be more.

The true freshman stepped up beyond admirably on Saturday. Chubb proved what everyone already thought, that the future at tailback is still bright even if Todd Gurley leaves for the NFL a year early. He carried the load with not just Gurley out, but also Sony Michel and Keith Marshall as well. His number was called and he responded. Freshman of the Year honors could await the young back at season's end.

This defense has now turned in two shutouts this season. It was easy to dismiss the first as it was Troy, but this one is hard to ignore. Missouri is a very capable offense and was on their home field. Not only did the Bulldogs shut them out, the Tigers barely crossed the 50-yard line. It was utter domination, the likes of which haven't been seen in Athens in a long time. If the Bulldogs continue like this on D, good things could be in store.

Don't be fooled by Saturday, as good a day as it was. The Bulldogs need Todd Gurley in their backfield if they wish to win anything this season. Georgia only averaged 4.4 yards per play over the course of the game. Gurley averages 9.0 yards per play. The offense was effective, but when they face more explosive offenses, they need more home-run power. That comes from Gurley. They need him reinstated if they want to make a run to the title game.