Georgia’s Depth to Be Tested: Key RB Out, Another Questionable for Opener Against Clemson

When No. 1 Georgia and No. 14 Clemson clash in the Aflac Kickoff Game on August 31, all eyes will be on the trenches. The Bulldogs, despite the loss of top running backs Daijun Edwards and Kenny McIntosh, have reloaded with the addition of Florida transfer Trevor Etienne, a dynamic rusher and pass-catcher who was named a 2023 All-SEC selection. 

The Tigers, on the other hand, boast a defense that ranked 22nd nationally against the run last season, allowing just 114.6 yards per game. 

Georgia’s ground game will look different but could be just as potent. Etienne, the younger brother of former Tigers star Travis Etienne, rushed for 753 yards and eight touchdowns while also recording 21 receptions, 172 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

However, Etienne's availability for the matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA is in question due to a possible suspension stemming from a plea deal in which March DUI charges were dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to underage possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, and a window tint violation. 

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was asked last week about a possible suspension of Etienne for the game. “We’ll deal with all that when it comes time," he said.

Fast forward to Monday and his answer changed.

“I don’t really talk about any of the other stuff in regard to any of our players with suspensions. But I’m excited about all the guys that are gonna get an opportunity to play at back.”

Still searching for an answer. One media outlet asked Smart if a decision was made internally about possible suspensions for Saturday. 

“Like I said, we don’t discuss those. Thank you.” 

Adding to the uncertainty in the Bulldogs backfield, sophomore Roderick Robinson, slated to be RB2 behind Etienne, is dealing with an injury. Smart provided an update on the 6'1, 240-pound bruising back's health. “Rod’s toe is still an issue for him,” Smart said before being asked about Robinson again. This time, specifically, did Rod have surgery? “And yes, Rod did have surgery on his toe,” Smart noted. Furthermore, Smart added Robinson would be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. 

Should Etienne and Robinson, who rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, be unavailable, the Bulldogs will likely turn to Branson Robinson, who missed last season with a patella tendon injury.

Branson Robinson also missed the spring but the 5'10, 225-pound redshirt freshman called “Baby Chubb” by Smart is healthy now. 

"He was just ready to get back on the field and it shows," said Smart of Branson's return to practice this fall. "It shows in the way he shows up every day. He shows up ready to attack every day. It’s been great having him back from a physical toughness standpoint, a reliability standpoint, ball security, third down pickups, special teams."

Etienne and Robinson were backed up by Andrew Paul in the G-Day Spring game but he transferred to Jacksonville State leaving Branson Robinson, who had 288 yards and two touchdowns in 2022, walk-on Cash Jones (22 carries, 161 rushing yards, one touchdown in 2023), and three freshman, Nate Frazier (5'10, 210), Dwight Phillips (5'10, 180) and Chauncey Bowens (5'10, 225), to fill the depth chart at the position.

Smart briefly discussed Jones and Frazier both in the mix for carries should the top backs miss the opener.

"Cash is a guy they just don't give enough credit to. He's great at picking things up," stated Smart last week. 

Frazier has been a standout among the freshmen this fall. 

"He is an explosive kid," noted Smart of the highly recruited speedster. "He’s got good track times. He’s got good speed. He’s got great toughness. He’s a little ball of energy."

Dillon Bell is another option for Georgia in the backfield if depth or experience is a concern on Aug. 31. The junior receiver caught 29 passes for 355 yards with two touchdowns last year but also rushed for 157 yards with two touchdowns on 25 carries when there were multiple injuries in the backfield. 

The Bulldogs, regardless of who takes the field, will attempt to run through a Clemson defense, which had shown vulnerabilities against explosive backs in 2023 during the five-game winning streak. The Tigers surrendered runs of 25 yards or more to Notre Dame’s Audric Estime (25), Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes (40), North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton (55, 64), and Kentucky's Ray Davis (43). Additionally, Haynes and Hampton reached the century mark with 104 and 178 yards, respectively.

The outcome of Saturday's top 15 matchup could hinge on whether Clemson can consistently stifle Georgia’s run game and force the Bulldogs to rely on a passing attack though returning Heisman candidate quarterback Carson Beck, senior receiver Dominic Lovett, second-leading in receptions in 2023, Bell, and tight end Oscar Delp, that has questions as well. 

Who will replace tight end Brock Bowers, back-to-back winner of the John Mackey Award, as Beck's top target? Will Miami transfer Colbie Young and Vanderbilt transfer London Humphreys be ready to contribute to the receiver corps on Saturday?

Ultimately, Georgia's offense is filled with talent, but questions in their backfield and receiving corps could provide Clemson, projected to have another elite defense, the opportunity to secure an upset.

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