Georgia RB Todd Gurley suspended 4 games, to return against Auburn

Georgia will be without Todd Gurley for the next two games, but the star running back will be back from his NCAA suspension just in time for a Nov. 15 showdown with Auburn.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that Gurley must serve a four-game suspension after being paid more than $3,000 for autographed memorabilia and other items from multiple individuals over a two-year period.

Georgia says it will appeal the ruling.

Gurley, once a Heisman Trophy front-runner, had already been kept out of Georgia’s last two games -- wins over Missouri and Arkansas -- while the university investigated allegations of improper benefits. Georgia (6-1) had applied for his reinstatement.

Instead, the NCAA determined that he must miss 30% of the season, which will keep him off the field while his team hosts Florida this weekend and travels to Kentucky the next.

But Gurley, who has rushed for 773 yards in 94 attempts with eight touchdowns, will be allowed to take part in what is shaping up to be his team’s biggest game of the season. Auburn (6-1) was ranked No. 3 in the first College Football Playoff ranking, released Tuesday; Georgia is 11th.

Under the NCAA ruling, Gurley also must pay a portion of the money he improperly received to a charity of his choice and complete 40 hours of community service.

Twitter: @chewkiii

The Associated Press contributed to this report.