The Georgia Bulldogs find themselves relying on redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton as they prepare for the Sugar Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With starting quarterback Carson Beck sidelined due to an elbow injury sustained in the SEC championship game, Stockton will be stepping into a pivotal role. Although he has only 51 passing attempts in his college career, the Bulldogs need him to excel if they hope to secure a national championship.
Georgia’s previous championship quarterback, Stetson Bennett, often delivered in critical playoff moments, and now the team must look to Stockton for similar performances. However, it’s crucial to recognize that expecting him to lead the Bulldogs to victory against top-tier teams in his first few starts may be unrealistic. The team will also need to dominate in the trenches, rather than putting the burden solely on the young quarterback.
Coach Kirby Smart has expressed confidence in Stockton, noting that he appears to enhance the performance of those around him. Smart stated, “All the players play harder for him,” emphasizing the importance of a quarterback’s ability to inspire their teammates.
Despite facing the challenges typical of a young quarterback, Stockton could take inspiration from Bennett’s early experiences. Bennett’s inaugural starts provided valuable lessons, and while he struggled at times—such as during his challenging game against Alabama—he eventually secured two national titles.
To maximize Stockton’s chances of success, the Bulldogs must maintain their defensive prowess. Historically, Georgia’s defense has been critical in their victories, as they remain undefeated when allowing fewer than 23 points since 2019. If they can hold Notre Dame under this threshold, Stockton will have a better opportunity to shine.
The road ahead for Gunner Stockton will demand growth and resilience, but if he can rise to the occasion, he might just replicate Bennett’s early days and lead the Bulldogs on a successful championship run.
In summary, while the stakes are high for Stockton, Georgia’s comprehensive approach—protecting him with strong defensive play and solid performance from the offensive line—will be crucial to their success. The combination of experience gained and teamwork could turn this challenge into an opportunity for greatness.