Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart reveals how Nate Frazier is working through fumble issues, but no mention of Chauncey Bowens
Nate Frazier’s fumble issues cost Georgia the game against Alabama, and it can’t happen again
The Georgia Bulldogs lost their SEC rivalry game to Alabama for a multitude of reasons, but one major contributing factor was Nate Frazier’s early fumble. Georgia was regaining the momentum until Frazier fumbled in Bulldogs territory, gifting Alabama a free three points, which ultimately decided the game in the 24-21 loss.
Kirby Smart addressed how Frazier is working through his fumbling issues, but surprisingly did not mention Chauncey Bowens–the star breakout running back who deserves more work–at all. Could there be a true competition for lead running back at Georgia? There probably should be.
Key Stats for Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens in 2025
- Nate Frazier has already fumbled twice this season after fumbling three times in a three-game span in 2024.
- Chauncey Bowens has zero fumbles on 41 carries for Georgia in 2025.
- Nate Frazier is averaging just 5.1 yards per carry, has just three runs of 10+ yards on his 43 carries, and has forced just seven missed tackles.
- Chauncey Bowens is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, has eight runs of 10+ yards on his 41 carries, and he’s forced nine missed tackles.
Nate Frazier fumble issues are rough, but he’s working hard
First off, Nate Frazier has made some phenomenal plays for the Georgia Bulldogs, and it’s clear he’s been a great teammate, working hard. Kirby Smart said as much a half dozen times when asked about exactly how Frazier is working through his fumble issues:
“[Nate Frazier] is working hard. He always works hard. You don’t really necessarily change how somebody works right? They work hard. They work hard. And we appreciate that. There’s not a week that we go out there that we don’t talk about, emphasize turnovers, ball security, and those things. I don’t think there’s a team in the country that’s not repping in practicing, ball security. So it’s something that he’s got to overcome. He’s got to play with confidence, and it comes with habits. We’re going to keep working on those with him. But he’s he’s been great. He he works really hard and has a positive attitude, and that’s what you look for in a teammate.”
Frazier is working on his ball security every single practice. He’s trying to get his confidence back, but that’s a tough ask. That’s all you can really ask of a running back when it comes to fixing fumbling issues. Coach Smart mentioned earlier in the week that Frazier’s not really doing anything wrong, technically. He just cannot continue fumbling the ball away in critical moments. Frazier must his confidence again, and if he doesn’t then Georgia needs to continue giving more work to fellow running back Chauncey Bowens.
The truth is that, regardless of Frazier’s fumble issues, Chauncey Bowens deserves more opportunities moving forward. He just racked up 140+ yards from scrimmage against Alabama last week, showcasing surprising speed, strength, and balance and athleticism that made him look like the perfect feature back at 225 pounds.
Chauncey Bowens has just been better than Frazier overall this season. He’s logging more yards per carry (5.9 to 5.1), more missed tackles (nine to seven), more explosive run plays of 10+ yards (eight to three), and most importantly he isn’t fumbling the ball. Hopefully Nate Frazier continues working hard on his technique, discipline, and confidence as Kirby Smart said, but in the meantime Georgia just needs to feed the hot back in Chauncey Bowens.
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