No. 13 Georgia doesn’t need Todd Gurley in 34-0 rout of No. 23 Missouri

Freshman Nick Chubb filled in ably for suspended running back Todd Gurley, rushing 38 times for 143 yards and a touchdown Saturday as 13th-ranked Georgia shut out No. 23 Missouri, 34-0.

The Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) wore down the Tigers (4-2, 1-1) early, possessing the ball for more than 42 minutes and gaining 379 total yards on 87 plays.

“Everybody said that Georgia was dead without Todd,” Chubb said. “But we proved that we’re still in it.”

Gurley was suspended indefinitely on Thursday while the school investigates an alleged violation of NCAA rules. It was a stunning blow for Gurley, who had been making a strong case for Heisman contention. The reason for the investigation hasn’t been disclosed, but SI.com reported that Gurley allegedly received $400 to sign 80 pieces of memorabilia on the Georgia campus.

Georgia appeared undaunted by his absence — even as fans held up “Free Gurley” signs from the stands.

“We need to show everybody and show ourselves that there’s 10 other guys on offense that are making this thing go,” quarterback Hutson Mason said.

After two first-quarter field goals by Marshall Morgan, Mason faked a handoff to Chubb before running 11 yards into the end zone with 10:57 remaining in the first half. The fifth-year senior skipped out of the end zone punching the air, jubilant after entering the game averaging only 137.4 yards passing per game.

Mason found Michael Bennett streaking toward the corner of the end zone for a touchdown five minutes later as Missouri’s first sellout crowd of the season — an attendance of 71,168 — started voicing its displeasure.

Mason backed up Aaron Murray last year. Without Gurley, he’ll be counted on to help lead the team moving forward. He said he’s adopted a new mind-set to try to not put too much pressure on himself.

“Not try to get everything right,” he said. “Just playing off instincts and reacting. That’s what got me here and I think that’s what allows me to play at my highest level.”

Mason finished with 156 yards and one touchdown on 22-for-28 passing.

Down 20-0 at halftime, Missouri showed little improvement in the second half. Georgia intercepted Maty Mauk passes to end the Tigers’ first two drives in the second half Georgia’s Brendan Douglas then ran 15 yards for a touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter for a 27-0 advantage.

Mauk completed nine of 21 passes for 97 yards and accounted for five turnovers — four interceptions and a fumble. The sophomore quarterback said it was the worst game he’s played.

“And I don’t plan on doing it again, either,” he said.