Just as it's been a forgettable season for Georgia football, it hasn't gone as planned for Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb, either.
And the junior voiced concern about a lack of carries in a meeting with UGA offensive coordinator Jim Chaney Monday. With him was Sony Michel, the Bulldogs' talented backup, who joined Chubb for the same reason.
"I asked him: Are we going to run the ball more?" Chubb said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "What's your plan?"
Chubb carried just nine times for 20 yards in a 24-10 loss to rival Florida Saturday, and Michel logged just two yards on three carries. Chubb's yards-per-carry average this season (4.8) is far below his career standard entering the season of 7.4. He's also been, for the most part, a non-factor in all four of Georgia's losses. UGA coach Kirby Smart hinted at Chubb's frustration earlier this week.
"I know (Chubb) is disappointed with where the statistics are for him," Smart said. "It would be a lie to say that he's not."
Chubb is one of the most talented rushers in college football, and as a junior, he could be eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft if he applies for and is granted early draft eligibility. Chubb didn't address that decision Wednesday, but a lack of production could have a negative impact on his draft evaluation.
According to Chubb, the meeting with Chaney was not contentious.
"He begs us to come up there. We probably don't go up there enough," Chubb said, adding that Chaney's explanation -- that the Bulldogs rushing attack wasn't working well enough to stay with against Florida -- was satisfactory. "What he said was true: We just weren't good at running the ball that game, and they kind of outplayed us, so we had to try something new."
Chubb's draft stock was on the rise after a 222-yard performance in a season-opener against North Carolina, but he's rushed for over 100 yards in only one game since then. A primary culprit has been Georgia's offensive line, which has struggled to open holes in the running game this year. Regardless of any problems up front, however, Chubb is looking for more opportunities going forward.
"It's kind of embarrassing," Chubb said. "... So me and (Michel) personally made promises to get these guys going, and get things rolling."
Chubb's next chance for some redemption comes Saturday at Kentucky. That's not a bad place to start; UK ranks just 89th in the nation in rush defense, allowing 197 yards per game.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
