Is the Nick Chubb that fans are seeing this year the same Nick Chubb fans saw before his injury a season ago at Tennessee?

It depends on who you ask.

When asked that very question after the Bulldogs’ 24-10 loss to Florida, Chubb rolled his eyes before stating – yes, he is the same.

But is he?

While Georgia's offensive line certainly deserves its share of the blame, there have been times when Chubb hasn’t looked quite the same.

Statistically, he’s not where many thought he would be. Through eight games, Chubb ranks 11th in the SEC in rushing with 606 yards, but is averaging just 4.9 yards per carry.

He averaged 7.1 as a freshman and 8.1 yards a sophomore, respectively.

“I know he’s disappointed with where the statistics are for him. It would be a lie to say that he’s not,” Smart said. “He is. Health-wise, I can’t say that anything’s wrong with Nick.”

Teammates agree.

“He’s still the same. Everybody is the same,” left guard Isaiah Wynn said. “He’s doing a good job just continuing to push through.”

Smart said coaches deserve much of the blame for any perceived issues Chubb may or may not be having.

“He gives really good effort and energy in practice. He practices with toughness. He’s a really good leader for us. He just hasn’t been productive (in games),” Smart said. “That’s on us as coaches, we know that. We’ve got to help him, Sony (Michel) and all the guys that need to touch the ball in order to get them some more touches. I can’t say anything health-wise is wrong with him. He’s done everything we’ve asked, and he looks good doing it to me. As far as comparison to old, I don’t have that baseline.”