The doubts surrounding Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton did not last long.
Stockton delivered exactly what the Bulldogs needed, showing the ability to lead the offense in a high-pressure environment at Neyland Stadium, in a 44-41 overtime win over Tennessee.
Stockton answered the biggest question. Could he push the ball downfield? The answer was yes. Stockton finished 23 of 31 for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding another score on the ground. More importantly, he made those plays under pressure, consistently delivering with defenders in his face.
Time and again, Stockton stepped up in key moments, including a fourth-and-six touchdown pass that showcased both his confidence and accuracy. It was the kind of throw that changes the perception of a quarterback.
Georgia’s offense, which faced questions early in the season, showed it can be explosive and effective in SEC play. With Stockton settling in, the unit looks far more complete.
Instead of wondering whether Georgia can move the ball, the focus now turns to consistency and how this offense performs against top competition.
There are still areas to watch. The secondary remains a question, and there are still challenges ahead, but with Stockton’s performance, the Dawgs have reason to believe they have the right QB to lead them back into postseason contention.