Gunner Stockton comments on controversial penalty that almost cost Georgia the game

Death, taxes and SEC officiating. It was another day to forget for the zebras of the Southeastern Conference. Although it was not as bad as The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry between Georgia and Auburn, they sure made a mess of it in Jacksonville for The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party between Georgia and Florida. It was mostly about fumbles, incompletions and false start clapping.

In the first half when Georgia was struggling to score points, quarterback Gunner Stockton was assessed a false start penalty for aggressively clapping on a third down in Florida territory. He thought he got a Florida defensive lineman to jump. Instead, Stockton's percussive abilities resulted in a penalty and knocked the Dawgs out of field-goal range. It was another disaster class for the SEC.

Here is where Stockton got dinged for a false start penalty for clapping too much during the first half.

Stockton offered this. "I think I was just moving too much. I think I have a pretty loud, aggressive clap."

This season for Georgia has been defined by close SEC wins and key people clapping their hands.

Gunner Stockton overcomes aggressive clapping to beat Florida anyway

With it being tied 10-10 at the half, Georgia would go on to win this game over Florida in the fourth quarter by the final score of 24-20. Blessed with one of Georgia's best defensive efforts of the season, Stockton was able to do just enough offensively to lead the Bulldogs to victory over the arch rival Gators. He is demonstrating the same clutch gene that made Stetson Bennett IV a living legend.

It may not seem like much, but that kind of in-game miscue could have unraveled another, lesser quarterback. Stockton may not be happy that he cost his team points on that possession, but he knew there were bigger fish to fry later on. The best part about Stockton's game is when it is winning time, he almost always delivers. His blood pressure drops. With ice in his veins, he rises for Georgia.

As we begin to look ahead to the final third of the regular season, Georgia should be in a fantastic position to make the playoff with three more victories. While losing to Mississippi State would not be great, it would be like falling to Florida. Although losing to Charlotte would be devastating, Georgia can afford a loss to either Texas at home in two weeks or vs. Georgia Tech in Atlanta to end the year.

As long as Stockton is able to maintain his composure, Georgia is never going to be out of any game.