Gunner Stockton catapults up Heisman Trophy race

Outstanding play versus Ole Miss sends quarterback Gunner Stockton ahead of an SEC favorite.
Gunner Stockton soars to score
Gunner Stockton soars to score | Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages

Georgia's quarterback Gunner Stockton is now standing at fifth in the Heisman Trophy race, moving ahead of Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, according to Vegas oddsmakers. There's a lot of season left to play, but this movement recognizes Stockton's great play to date.

What is known is that Bulldog fans can factor former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck out of the race. After Beck's disastrous play against Louisville, his Heisman hopes were literally thrown away.

Gunner Stockton is firmly in the Heisman Trophy race

With 348 total yards, 26 of 31 passing and five total touchdowns in Georgia’s win over Ole Miss, Stockton just added to his already terrific stat line. He may not have been getting the attention of other players like Ty Simpson (Alabama), and flavor-of-the-month Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), but Stockton's steady play should win voters over by the end of the year.

As well, the more Georgia keeps winning will help Stockton's stock rise in the Heisman race. High profile games against Texas, Florida, and Georgia Tech will bring more eyeballs to Stockton's game and stellar play. Also is the fact that the longer the season goes on, the more other players will fade as they potentially falter under the harsh glare of Heisman attention.

Of note is LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, both of whom have dropped far out of the Heisman conversation because their teams have lost key games and their stats have plummeted as well.

Stockton may or may not win the Heisman but it is worth celebrating by Bulldog fans that he is rising up this season. It also says something about the level of competition in the SEC that a quarterback like Pavia is even in the conversation at all. Keep your eyes on the odds in the coming weeks to see how Stockton plays out and because he likely will continue to surprise the college football world.