Georgia’s rushing attack on Saturday was like a scene out of the football movie “Rudy.”
Two running backs so obscure and buried on the depth chart that a Georgia coach wasn’t sure how to spell one of their names, were the leading rushers in the win over New Mexico State.
Sophomore Brandon Harton, a walk-on until awarded a scholarship in August, carried 15 times for 99 yards and a touchdown, while freshman walk-on Kyle Karempelis gained 63 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
They were playing because Georgia had three running backs, including freshman sensation Isaiah Crowell, serving a one-game suspension for a violation of team rules and another out with an injury.
“I thought they both did good, and I hope they enjoyed the opportunity. I was proud of them,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said.
Harton had a disastrous start to the game. He fumbled on his first carry into the end zone for a turnover.
“I was kind of disappointed about the fumble, but at the same time I knew I would have the opportunity to get more carries,” Harton said. “I had to let it go, get it out of my mind and not worry about it.”
Richt smiled when talking about the situation after the game. “I told Harton and Karempelis the No. 1 priority is to secure the football. That’s what I told them all week. I said ‘I don’t care what happens after that. You secure the football.’ And then Harton spits it up early. And I think he was afraid to come to the sidelines. I hugged him and told him I still loved him, just to go back out there and keep playing.”
Harton barely missed the 100-yard mark, but Georgia’s coaches thought he already eclipsed it. If not, Harton would’ve been given more carries. Said Richt, “I don’t know why that is such is a big deal, but it is — for Brandon to say he rushed for 100 yards in a game as a Georgia Bulldog at least once in his career. This could’ve been his first, but he’ll have to go fight for another opportunity to do this.”
Karemplis described his playing time as “incredible” and “like a dream come true.” He didn’t come close to fumbling.
“Karempelis looked like he was running with two hands on the ball about every step of the way,” Richt said. “Coach Bobo said ‘You have to give him the freedom to fumble. He’s squeezing the ball so hard right now I’m not sure he’s using his vision.’”
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