As Georgia football prepares for its upcoming Sugar Bowl matchup on January 1, 2025, head coach Kirby Smart addressed the important shift at quarterback, with Gunner Stockton set to take over following Carson Beck’s injury.
With the Bulldogs earning a first-round bye in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, hopes were high that Beck would recover in time to play. However, with Beck still not ready, the spotlight now falls on backup QB Stockton, who impressed during the SEC Championship Game against Texas.
Smart is confident in Stockton’s abilities, citing his intelligence and the team’s overall trust in him. “The team has a lot of confidence in Gunner. He’s very smart, very intelligent,” Smart shared. While Smart acknowledged that some adjustments will need to be made to the offense, he emphasized that the core of the game plan will remain unchanged, just tailored to fit Stockton’s strengths.
One key shift could be an increased focus on the run game, whether through designed runs for Stockton or more reliance on the talented running back room behind Georgia’s offensive line. The pass-heavy attack that has defined Georgia’s offense this season under Beck will likely be dialed back in favor of a more balanced approach.
Despite the adjustments, Smart is confident that Stockton’s leadership and performance, like his pivotal role in Georgia’s SEC Championship win, will carry the Bulldogs through the next round of postseason play.
As Georgia looks to build on its momentum and aim for a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Smart’s confidence in Stockton remains high, with all eyes on how the offense will evolve for the high-stakes Sugar Bowl.
