Of the many great games Gunner Stockton played for the Georgia Bulldogs this season, perhaps his finest showing so far was the shootout at home vs. the Ole Miss Rebels way back in mid-October. Stockton completed 26-of-31 passes for 289 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in that impressive 43-35 win over Ole Miss. He also had 10 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in that one.
Fate would have it, Georgia will face Ole Miss in a rematch in New Year's Day. They will take on the Rebels in the Sugar Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff. Ole Miss only has one loss on the season, but Georgia has the best head coach in the sport. As for Ole Miss, the same defensive coordinator who got lit up like a Christmas tree in Pete Golding is sitting in the big chair for them now.
Although Ole Miss is clearly playing with house money in this one, there are so many things working in Georgia's advantage. They have the better head coach, they were on a bye, and Stockton already knows how to carve up this defense. But perhaps most importantly, the Sugar Bowl is the site where Georgia's season ended a year ago. It was Stockton's first career start in a Georgia uniform as well...
There is also one other thing Stockton has working for him: He can handle this Ole Miss pass rush.
Gunner Stockton has Georgia in the driver's seat vs. Ole Miss in playoff
During the previous matchup between these two SEC contenders, Stockton had all the time in the world to throw behind this resurgent Georgia offensive line. For as much as the Ole Miss players love Golding as a person and as a coach, the Rebels are still an offensive-minded team. This is because they were constructed that way under Golding's predecessor in Lane Kiffin. It is a problem for them.
Since their previous meeting, Georgia's offense has rounded into form. It has become a well-oiled machine that can take charge of a game in multiple ways. On the other side of the football, Glenn Schumann's defense has not allowed more than 21 points in a game since this barn-burner Between the Hedges. This team has dealt with injuries, but it looks to be the most well-coached team still left.
As far as Ole Miss' chances are concerned, they are getting 6.5 points vs. Georgia on a neutral site. Ole Miss had no issues attacking Jon Sumrall's Tulane defense in the first round, but that game was at home for the Rebels, and Sumrall was on his way out the door to Florida. Even then, Jake Retzlaff was actually able to move the ball between the 20s, The red zone ruined him. Stockton thrives there.
As long as Georgia takes care of the football, the Dawgs should advance to the national semifinals.