With the College Football Playoff quarterfinals fast approaching, Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart is preparing for a major shift at quarterback. Backup Gunner Stockton is set to lead the Bulldogs against No. 3 Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1. This comes after starting quarterback Carson Beck suffered a right elbow injury during Georgia’s 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the SEC Championship Game on December 7.
While Smart hasn’t confirmed the extent of Beck’s injury, the team is preparing for Stockton to step up in the biggest game of the season. With a first-round bye in the playoffs, Stockton, a sophomore, has had extra time to hone his skills with the first-team offense.
Preparing for the Big Stage
Stockton’s unexpected rise as Georgia’s starting quarterback is a direct result of Beck’s elbow injury. Smart acknowledged that Stockton has been receiving additional practice reps with the first-team offense, helping him gain valuable experience ahead of the Sugar Bowl matchup.
“Gunner got lots of reps prior to these practices, but he’s getting much more now,” Smart said. “When you get ready for an opponent like Notre Dame, you need time, and we have time.” With the added preparation, Stockton will have the chance to prove himself on the national stage against one of the top teams in college football.
The Bulldogs’ first-round bye in the College Football Playoff has provided the team with an extended window to focus on preparations for Notre Dame. Smart emphasized that Stockton’s development during practices has been key in ensuring the quarterback is ready for the high-stakes matchup.
Notre Dame Prepares for Stockton’s Playmaking Ability
While Smart is confident in Stockton’s ability to step into the starting role, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator will need to adjust their game plan to account for the new starting quarterback.
Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged Stockton’s unique skill set and highlighted the differences between him and Beck. “Stockton has done some things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his legs; he’s a good athlete. The thing I probably noticed most about him, he’s an ultra-competitive individual,” Freeman said Monday.
Freeman noted that they’ve reviewed over 80 plays of Stockton’s, giving them insight into how he operates as a quarterback. While the Bulldogs’ offense may look different with Stockton at the helm, Freeman is wary of his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.
A Rising Star Amid Uncertainty
While the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Stockton, the uncertainty surrounding Beck’s injury looms large. Georgia initially announced on December 9 that Beck and his family were considering various treatment options for his elbow, including the possibility of surgery. However, no further details have been provided regarding the injury or a potential recovery timeline.
Despite the uncertainty, Smart emphasized that Beck’s recovery is still in the decision-making process, with the family deliberating on the best course of action. “The only thing I can update is that they’re still going through those deliberations in terms of the decision-making process time, all the kinds of decisions they have to make as a family,” Smart said.
Beck’s injury occurred during the first half of the SEC Championship Game, but he made a dramatic return to the field for the handoff that set up the game-winning touchdown in overtime. However, after handing off to Trevor Etienne for the decisive 4-yard run, Beck was unable to raise his right arm.
Stockton’s Time to Shine
While the Bulldogs’ offense will miss Beck’s leadership, Gunner Stockton has a unique opportunity to shine when Georgia faces Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. The stakes are high, and the pressure on the sophomore is immense, but Stockton’s competitive spirit and athleticism could be just what Georgia needs to keep their national championship hopes alive.
As Smart prepares for the biggest game of the season, all eyes will be on the backup quarterback who is tasked with leading the team to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Can Gunner Stockton rise to the occasion and secure Georgia’s spot in the next round? The Sugar Bowl is sure to answer that question.
