The Georgia Bulldogs have been without their star running back Todd Gurley since Oct. 9, but you wouldn’t know it by how they’ve played on the field.

UGA has dominated its two opponents — Missouri and Arkansas — by a combined score of 79-32. Despite Gurley’s absence, Georgia’s running game hasn’t missed a beat either with the emergence of true freshman Nick Chubb.

However, head coach Mark Richt certainly won’t mind having his Heisman Trophy contender back in the backfield Earlier today, the university officially filed Gurley’s reinstatement request and Richt is expecting him to return sooner rather than later.

“I’m optimistic,” Richt said Wednesday night. “I think we as an institution and Todd as a student-athlete did everything within the protocol of the NCAA. It would be wonderful to know to be able to prepare the team properly. We’ll just go about our business and prepare like we’ve been doing. Hopefully, all will end well sooner than later.”

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Georgia’s running back depth has been lacking over the past couple of weeks because of Gurley’s suspension as well as injuries to Keith Marshall and Sony Michel, two primary backups. Marshall, who sprained his knee and ankle more than a month ago, has been working his way back to full strength. Richt, however, isn’t confident Marshall will be ready in time for Georgia’s next game against Florida on Nov. 1.

“I’m not real optimistic right now from what I’ve seen. I’m not saying that he couldn’t play,” Richt said, “but I wouldn’t say Keith is just lighting it up right now. He’s still kind of feeling his way in my opinion.”

Michel, on the other hand, has not returned to practice yet so he is unlikely to suit up against the Gators.