The College Football Playoff picture became much cloudier after Week 6. Four days later, the Heisman Trophy race is suddenly wide-open.
Nothing had stopped Todd Gurley this season. The Georgia running back either ran past or through anyone in his way, racking up 773 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. While Mississippi State's Dak Prescott, Notre Dame's Everett Golson and others started making their moves, there was a sense nothing would stop the Bulldogs running back from hoisting the Heisman in December.
Unfortunately for Gurley, he might have stopped himself. Gurley's indefinite suspension for alleged NCAA rules violations means that at least for now, he is out of the Heisman picture. Regardless of the reason for the suspension or whether it's justified, national awards aren't given to those who don't play.
It's a situation nobody wants to see as Gurley has been not only one of the nation's most exciting players, but one of its best. The games go on, however, and the spotlight now shifts to other stars.
Prescott's stock is soaring after Mississippi State's win against Texas A&M, and he has another national showcase opportunity this week against Auburn, which has its own Heisman contender in quarterback Nick Marshall. Golson played hero last week against Stanford, firing his 13th touchdown pass of the season with 1:01 to play to beat the Cardinal. Oregon's Marcus Mariota backslid in last week's loss to Arizona, but Gurley's suspension gives him another chance.
Gurley had headlined a running back renaissance in the Heisman race this season, but others now must carry the baton. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon has 693 rushing yards in his past three games and should have another huge day Saturday against Illinois. Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah struggled last week against Michigan State, but shouldn't be written off.
As for Gurley, unless the suspension is brief, he'll fall behind quickly in the Heisman picture. Georgia begins life without No. 3 by playing arguably its most important game of the season Saturday at defending SEC East champion Missouri. The Bulldogs will have to push the pass more and rely on younger backs such as Nick Chubb.
Gurley had the name recognition, the highlights and the production to become just the second nonquarterback since 1999 to win the Heisman. There's no longer an alpha Dawg in the race, and other candidates are now poised to make their moves.
