While the winning streak is still alive, Georgia survived an absolute thriller up in Knoxville by the skin of its teeth. It took a Max Gilbert missed field goal at the end of regulation to set up the first overtime period at Neyland. Gilbert sort-of redeemed himself by making the kick for the Tennesee Volunteers in overtime. Too bad, Georgia ran the ball down their throats en route to a stunning 44-41 road victory.
There is a lot to be proud of, as well as a ton to correct during the bye week before Alabama comes to town in two weeks. Of the many positives that were to be had, Gunner Stockton played with a ton of confidence inside one of the SEC's most hostile road environments. He completed 23-of-31 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown on the day.
While he did fumble the rock at a crucial time in the game, his offensive line did not always give him the best protection. Stockton was sacked three times in the game. With his defense giving up one big play after another, Kirby Smart wisely put his trust and faith into his first-year starting quarterback. Smart's assistant coaches nearly cost him this game. However, Stockton's leadership shined through.
To win a game like this with so little starting experience, Stockton can use this as a big building block.
Gunner Stockton showed the necessary leadership to win big at Georgia
Coming into play, Stockton had to know his counterpart in Joey Aguilar was going to spin it. He did play fairly well at times in this game, too. However, he struggled to complete some key passes down the stretch. More importantly, he turned the ball over twice in the game. Aguilar always had it in him. So while Aguilar pressed a bit, Stockton let the game come to him to play arguably his best to date.
In a way, Georgia has the perfect motivational game plan heading into Alabama game. The Dawgs won a game they probably should not have over a rival they have owned. The secondary did not play well, and many of the team's coaches outside of Smart left a lot to be desired. Georgia has time to correct many of these issues. Most importantly, this game will be Between the Hedges for the Dawgs.
Conversely, Alabama has owned Georgia as much as the Dawgs have owned Tennessee. Georgia does not lose at home, so something has to give in two weeks' time. Regardless, this signature victory for Stockton felt similar to Jake Fromm beating Notre Dame in South Bend in 2017, as well as Carson Beck winning an ugly one at Auburn in 2023. These are the type of wins Georgia can build off.
Simply put, Georgia won a huge rivalry game because of their quarterback, and not in spite of him...