Georgia’s season began on shaky ground, marked by struggles at the quarterback position and doubts from fans about whether the Bulldogs had lost their competitive edge. Both Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers faced ups and downs throughout the year, further complicated by injuries and a string of tough games. While such setbacks might have derailed other teams, Georgia’s resilience has brought them back into contention, with noticeable improvements across the board. Despite losing Beck to injury ahead of the playoffs, the Bulldogs remain strong contenders, a transformation that even caught the attention of analyst Paul Finebaum.
Finebaum has been vocal about Georgia’s prospects, especially with Gunner Stockton stepping in as the starting quarterback. He noted, “I like Georgia with a slight edge, but you have to be worried about Gunner Stockton. I can’t tell you that everything is fine; you lost a guy.” Finebaum also drew comparisons between Beck and Ewers, emphasizing their inconsistent performances and shared struggles, but highlighting Georgia’s ability to recover as a team.
This season has been unpredictable, with Michigan defeating Ohio State and Vanderbilt upsetting Alabama, underscoring the excitement of college football. Georgia’s recent win over Texas, even after Beck was sidelined, is a testament to their adaptability. When Beck was injured after a tough hit during a Hail Mary attempt, Stockton stepped up. His leadership pushed the offense to the end zone, setting up Trevor Etienne for a decisive 4-yard overtime touchdown. This performance highlighted Stockton’s ability to drive the team under pressure, reinforcing Finebaum’s optimism about Georgia’s overall strength.
Carson Beck’s season has been a rollercoaster, with 12 interceptions in five games, yet he was instrumental in getting the Bulldogs to the playoffs. Comparing Beck to Ewers, both quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers—Ewers throwing 10 picks—making their seasons an “interception fest.” Still, both have played pivotal roles in their teams’ success, keeping Georgia and Texas in playoff contention.
Despite Beck’s absence, Kirby Smart and his coaching staff appear confident in their game plan. The Bulldogs’ reliance on teamwork rather than individual brilliance has been a hallmark of Smart’s tenure. This approach might help them compensate for Beck’s absence against a formidable Notre Dame squad, known for its solid defense and ability to control the line of scrimmage.
However, not all analysts are convinced. CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt expressed skepticism about Georgia’s chances, stating, “I don’t care if they have Carson Beck; Notre Dame is going to beat Georgia. Notre Dame is great on both sides of the line of scrimmage. They can run the football; they can shut down your passing game.” Hunt’s concerns stem from the challenges posed by Notre Dame’s defensive capabilities, particularly against Georgia’s offensive strategies.
Nevertheless, Stockton has shown promise as a playmaker. On his first drive, he orchestrated a 54-yard touchdown, demonstrating his potential to lead the Bulldogs. While his passing game may not match Beck’s, Stockton’s ability to shift the team to a run-first offense could be crucial against Notre Dame.
Georgia’s back-to-back national championships were achieved without relying on an extraordinary quarterback, further proving the team’s collective strength. With Trevor Etienne healthy and the Bulldogs’ defense in good form, Georgia could overcome Notre Dame’s defensive prowess. The Fighting Irish, despite their strong run defense, were limited to 278 yards in their game against Indiana, suggesting vulnerabilities Georgia might exploit.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their matchup with Notre Dame, the question remains: can teamwork and adaptability outshine individual brilliance? Georgia’s journey this season has been anything but predictable, but under Kirby Smart’s leadership, the Bulldogs have proven they are capable of defying the odds.