Georgia head coach Kirby Smart recently came to the defense of his quarterback, Gunner Stockton, after ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum criticized Stockton’s performance during the Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. While Finebaum’s comments sparked debate among fans and analysts, Smart’s response reflected confidence in his young signal-caller and optimism for the upcoming 2025 season.
Finebaum’s Criticism of Stockton
Paul Finebaum did not hold back in his critique of Stockton, noting that the quarterback’s performance in the College Football Playoff against Notre Dame was underwhelming. Stockton completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in the game, numbers that many analysts deemed respectable for a first career start in such a high-pressure situation. However, Finebaum remarked, “I know the team coalesced around him after the SEC Championship game, but I was underwhelmed by what I saw in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.”
Finebaum’s remarks drew mixed reactions, with some agreeing that Stockton has room for improvement, while others felt it was unfair to judge him based on one start in a challenging scenario.
Kirby Smart’s Priceless Response
Kirby Smart addressed Finebaum’s comments during an interview with the ESPN analyst, defending Stockton while also praising Finebaum for providing motivation. Smart said, “I’m excited. Gunner got the message, he got the message. You did your job.”
Smart’s response highlighted his confidence in Stockton’s resilience and ability to learn from adversity. By framing Finebaum’s criticism as a motivational tool, Smart turned the narrative into a positive, showing his faith in Stockton’s growth as a quarterback.
A Tough Start for Stockton
Stockton’s debut as a starter in the Sugar Bowl was far from ideal. Thrust into a high-stakes playoff game, he faced a formidable Notre Dame defense without the benefit of a full season to gain experience. Despite the challenges, Stockton’s performance showed glimpses of potential, laying the foundation for future development.
Motivation for the 2025 Season
Smart’s remarks suggest that Stockton has embraced the criticism and is using it to fuel his offseason preparation. With a full year as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback ahead, Stockton will have ample opportunity to develop his skills and prove his critics wrong.
Georgia fans remain optimistic about Stockton’s potential, believing that his fiery competitive spirit and work ethic will translate into success on the field. If Stockton can rise to the occasion, Finebaum’s comments may ultimately serve as the spark that ignited his breakthrough season.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Stockton to see how he responds to the challenge, with Smart and the Bulldogs fully behind their quarterback.
