Gunner Stockton had a controversial moment earlier this season during Georgia's win over Florida. This moment however had nothing to do with Stockton, but with an official who called one of the most absurd penalties on him of all time.
Early in the game when Georgia was still trailing Florida, Stockton was flagged for "simulating the snap" which cost UGA some points. Stockton however didn't deserve this flag because all he did was clap for the ball in an attempt to draw the defense offsides. Anyone who has watched high level football knows this happens multiple times every game, so it made no sense for him to be flagged in this moment.
That penalty thankfully didn't cost Georgia the game, but the head official who made that call will be leading the crew in the Bulldogs SEC Championship bout with Alabama.
Daniel Gautreaux will be today’s head official
— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) December 6, 2025
His crew called UGA’s game vs Florida when Gunner Stockton was flagged for clapping too forcefully on a hard count
Head official for SEC Championship game had a moment to forget with Gunner Stockton
It's unlikely that this official is out to get Stockton, but the fact that he is leading the crew for the SEC Championship game is bad news. Stockton likely at some point will attempt a hard count against Alabama, and if he does the same thing as last time he might get called for a penalty again.
The only problem is that he never deserved the penalty he received against Florida earlier this season. He did nothing wrong in that play and attempted to draw the Gators offsides the exact way every quarterback is taught. So if this official didn't learn from his mistake then Stockton could get flagged for the same reason in the biggest game of the season.
The one thing everyone wants is for this game to be called fairly. Win or lose no one wants to be able to put any blame on the officials, so hopefully this ref has learned what he did wrong so he doesn't impact this game with another incorrect call.