The Georgia Bulldogs face a major challenge as their starting quarterback, Carson Beck, is out for the season with a serious elbow injury. With Beck sidelined, head coach Kirby Smart has turned to sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton to lead the team, especially in their upcoming College Football Playoff matchup against Notre Dame. The question now is whether Stockton can rise to the occasion and guide Georgia to a national championship.
Football analyst Josh Pate has expressed optimism about Stockton’s potential, even suggesting that Beck’s injury might work to the team’s advantage. Pate highlighted Georgia’s resilience in their recent win over Texas, where Stockton stepped in and completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards while adding 27 rushing yards. According to Pate, Georgia doesn’t need to rely solely on high-scoring games to win; their overall team strength and Stockton’s adaptability could prove sufficient. He even stated his belief that Georgia could still win the championship, despite facing a strong contender in Ohio State.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has also acknowledged Stockton’s abilities, praising his competitiveness and ability to extend plays with his legs. Freeman noted Stockton’s energy on the field and described him as an “ultra-competitive” athlete. However, he recognized the challenge of facing a resilient Georgia team.
Kirby Smart has confidence in Stockton, pointing out the increased practice reps and preparation time the young quarterback has received. Smart emphasized that playing against a fundamentally sound and physical Notre Dame team will test Stockton and the Bulldogs. He also praised Notre Dame’s strong defense and solid performance on both lines of scrimmage.
The Bulldogs will need Stockton to step up as they prepare for their January 1 showdown against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are coming off a strong season, including a notable win over Indiana. While Stockton has big shoes to fill, his performance against Notre Dame could define Georgia’s championship aspirations.
Ultimately, the game will be a significant test for both Stockton and the Bulldogs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the young quarterback can lead Georgia to the title game.