Where was Georgia football RB Nate Frazier against Alabama?
Nate Frazier made a splashy debut for Georgia football in its season-opening win against Clemson, but he didn’t play a single snap in Georgia’s 41-34 loss Saturday at Alabama.
The freshman from Compton, Calif., rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and had a 24-yard catch in the week 1 win, but rushed for just 30 yards on 9 carries the next two games as Trevor Etienne returned from suspension.
Frazier has seen his snaps decrease each week from 25 to 13 to 6 to none, according to Pro Football Focus.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart was asked about Frazier not getting in against Alabama on Monday.
"There's no explanation, he’s not doing anything wrong," Smart said. "Really, the opportunity didn’t present itself the other night because of the type of game. I mean, it’s very clear to see the type of game that it became after three or four series. That wasn’t going to be a patient, methodical game might fit."
Georgia is second-to-last in the SEC in rushing at 129.3 yards per game. That ranks 102nd nationally and is nearly 62 yards less per game than last season.
The Bulldogs played three running backs against Alabama.
Etienne rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, Cash Jones had minus-1 yards on two carries and a 30-yard catch and Branson Robinson rushed for 8 yards on two carries.
"Nate’s doing a great job.," Smart said. "He’s improved week to week. He takes a lot of pride in his performance. He’s a hard, hard worker. He’s very conscientious about it. Trevor’s been playing really good and Cash (Jones) opened some things up for us the other night, but we didn’t get to play Branson , but near enough."
Roderick Robinson, the top returning rusher, has missed the first four games after toe surgery.
Asked about when he might return, Smart said Monday: "Not sure on Rod."
Frazier sustained a left shoulder injury against Clemson but Smart has said he could have returned to the game if needed.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Why didn't Georgia football RB Nate Frazier play against Alabama?
