Georgia is heading back to Atlanta with revenge on its mind and a championship on the line. As the Bulldogs prepare for a high-stakes SEC Championship rematch with Alabama, the Bulldogs media session earlier this week made one thing clear, this team is not dwelling on September and is focused on who it has become since then.
Head coach Kirby Smart, quarterback Gunner Stockton and linebacker C.J. Allen all spoke about growth, leadership and the urgency of the moment. From improved execution to defensive maturity to a quarterback finding his stride, Georgia believes it’s walking into Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a far more complete team than the one the Tide saw earlier this season.
1. Kirby Smart says Georgia hasn’t changed — they’ve grown.
Smart made one thing clear on earlier this week, Georgia didn’t reinvent itself after the early season loss to Alabama. Instead, they developed. Smart emphasized that the Bulldogs have simply executed better, matured at key positions and played more complementary football over the past two months.
He pointed to growth on both sides of the ball, especially offensively, where Gunner Stockton has settled into his role and Georgia’s young offensive linemen have gained confidence. Smart also pushed back on the idea that Alabama’s offense is drastically different from September, instead noting that both teams have “playmakers” and are doing what they do best.
The biggest message? Georgia earned its way back to Atlanta, and the Bulldogs believe the team walking into Mercedes-Benz Stadium this time is sharper, calmer and more complete.
2. CJ Allen’s return and leadership highlight a defense that feels “different” than Week 2
Junior linebacker CJ Allen gave Georgia its emotional heartbreak on Monday. Just two weeks removed from surgery, Allen said nothing was going to keep him off the field, and it showed in the way he talked about this matchup.
Allen admitted he’s aware he’s never beaten Alabama, and he said his teammates feel the same. But more importantly, he described Georgia’s defense as significantly improved since the first meeting with better communication, strong third-down execution and far more cohesion between the front and the linebackers.
He credited his growth with Glenn Schumann, saying their trust has expanded and he's become more vocal and confident as a leader. He also praised young defenders like Gabe Harris Jr., Quintavius Johnson and Ellis Robinson IV for stepping into larger roles.
This is not the same Georgia defense Alabama saw in September, and Allen made sure everyone knew it.
3. Gunner Stockton’s confidence is peaking at the right time
If Georgia needed proof that their young quarterback is ready for the moment, Gunner Stockton delivered earlier this week. The junior said losing to Alabama “still eats at him,” but the Bulldogs late season surge has strengthened the offense and sharpened his own game.
Stockton admitted he’s more comfortable using his legs now and said the team has “grown up a bunch” since the first matchup. He also spoke about how experience from Knoxville to Auburn to last year’s SEC title cameo has boosted his confidence and leadership.
As for Alabama’s defense? Stockton praised its aggression and turnover creation, but stressed that Georgia’s success will come down to execution and staying ahead of the chains.
With all his full focus on football now since the semester in school is nearly over, Stockton sounded poised, prepared and hungry for redemption.