This was a statement win for the Georgia Bulldogs. For as bad as things looked for three quarters defensively, the offense never let up. No. 9 Georgia prevailed over No. 5 Ole Miss in an SEC game for the ages. Points were aplenty in this one, as Georgia somehow found a way to come out on top by the final score of 43-35. They were able to score on every offensive drive because of their quarterback.
Gunner Stockton helped lead the way with his greatest performance of his Georgia career. He completed 26-of-31 passes for 289 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also had 10 carries for 59 yards and an additional trip to pay dirt on the ground. Stockton was able to find Nate Frazier for six once and tight end Lawson Luckie thrice! He out-dueled Trinidad Chambliss in this one.
In a week, or series of weeks for that matter, Stockton may have done his part to thrust his way into the Heisman Trophy conversation. The guy he backed up the last two years in Carson Beck had a miserable night to forget vs. Louisville on Friday evening. Stockton continues to take care of the football, coming through in the clutch more often than not. He has the entire fan base's confidence.
Stockton may not win the Heisman Trophy, but he is playing like a guy who deserves to be up for it.
What is making Gunner Stockton such a tremendous player for Georgia
Very rarely do you have a star player who embodies everything to a T with which his program is built upon. Stockton grew up wanting to play for Georgia. It is eerily similar to what made Stetson Bennett IV an all-timer for the Dawgs. Beck played his tail off for this team, but he was not a true Dawg until he decided to go to Georgia. Some of us fall into the bucket. There is nothing remotely wrong with that...
What it comes down to is Stockton's impressive combination of being a dual-threat passer, an incredibly tough person, and a man mature beyond his years. That is a ton to ask from any 20-something, let alone a college kid making his biggest dream come true. After improving to 6-1 on the season and 4-1 in SEC play, Georgia is feeling more and more like a lock to make the playoff this year.
As long as Georgia does not lose two of its final five regular-season games, the Dawgs will be back in the playoff once again. Their two toughest remaining opponents are arguably Texas and Georgia Tech. They still have to play Florida, Mississippi State and Charlotte to round out their schedule. With Georgia entering its second bye on a bit of a winning streak, we can only hope the momentum grows.
Stockton continues to do things that silence his critics with every passing play, down and ballgame.