Georgia football is preparing for its first College Football Playoff game at the Sugar Bowl on January 1, and the biggest storyline heading into the game has been who will start at quarterback. This question was answered on Thursday when it was announced that Carson Beck would be unavailable for Georgia’s entire playoff run, meaning Gunner Stockton will take over as the starter.
Stockton impressed in the second half of Georgia’s SEC Championship win over Texas, but he now faces a greater challenge, as Georgia’s opponents will be preparing specifically for him. Despite concerns from some fans, the team has full confidence in Stockton’s ability to lead them to a National Championship.
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker recently shared his belief in Stockton during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, saying, “When Gunner Stockton stepped on the field, I had no doubt. I always had confidence in him. He’s played big-time football because he sees it every day. Our team will have Gunner’s back no matter what happens, and I feel like we’ll be in the best position with him and the offense.”
Stockton will have plenty of time to prepare before the playoff game. With nearly a month between Georgia’s SEC Championship win and the quarterfinal matchup, the coaching staff has ample time to get him ready. While it was only recently confirmed that Beck is out, this information has likely been known within the program for a while, giving Stockton enough time to get fully prepared.
Additionally, practicing against one of the best defenses in the country every day will help Stockton immensely. Georgia’s defense is arguably better than any other unit the Bulldogs will face in the playoffs, which should boost both his on-field preparation and confidence.
As Georgia awaits to learn its playoff opponent on Friday night, it’s clear that the entire team believes in Stockton, which will go a long way in building his own self-confidence for the upcoming challenge.
