Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart offered a mixed assessment when asked about quarterback Gunner Stockton’s first career start. Stockton and Georgia lost to Notre Dame, 23-10, in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs trailed by at least 10 points throughout the entire second half, so Stockton was in obvious passing situations for much of the game.
Stockton and the Georgia offense moved the ball OK against a strong Notre Dame defense. Stockton completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. He had a pair of fumbles (one lost) and had 10 rushes for negative 23 yards (includes yardage from four sacks). Stockton was not efficient as a runner, but he used his mobility well on several occasions.
“Gunner did some good things,” said Smart. “Any time you don’t have pass pro, it’s tough. He had some tough moments out there. When it’s your backside and you can’t see it coming, it’s tough.”
Georgia changed offensive tackles several times throughout the game. Left tackle Monroe Freeling gave up multiple sacks, and Georgia could not run the ball consistently. This game was not an ideal situation for Stockton’s first start.
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“I thought he tucked it down and ran. He got us out of a couple sacks with his feet and legs, threw the ball away. Did some good things there,” continued Smart. “But obviously it wasn’t enough with the two turnovers, and we’ve got to be better for sure.”
Georgia’s 2024 season is over. Will Georgia start Stockton next season? It is unclear right now, but we know Carson Beck intends to enter the 2025 NFL draft. As a result, Georgia is needs to figure out its quarterback room plan for the 2025 season. Stockton flashed the upside to be a starter.