SMART IN DENIAL: Georgia’s Playoff Hopes Dashed as Kirby Smart Overestimates Gunner Stockton’s Readiness
Kirby Smart spent the week leading up to Georgia’s College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinal hyping up his young quarterback, Gunner Stockton. Forced into action after Carson Beck’s season-ending injury, Stockton became the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense. Smart’s confidence in his new starter was understandable; he needed to rally the team behind the freshman. However, the harsh reality was that Stockton wasn’t prepared for the moment, and Notre Dame’s defense exposed the significant gap between him and Beck.
In his pregame remarks, Smart outlined the traits he believes make a great quarterback, emphasizing decision-making, accuracy, and athletic ability. Smart argued that Stockton possessed all three qualities, stating, “The number one thing a quarterback has to have is decision-making skill. He makes good decisions. Number two is accuracy. Not necessarily arm talent, but accuracy. [Stockton] has accuracy. Athletic ability and talent probably takes third. He has those strengths.”
Unfortunately, Stockton’s performance against Notre Dame didn’t live up to Smart’s confidence. His decision-making and accuracy were inconsistent throughout the game, though his athleticism and physical talent were on display. Stockton’s arm strength and mobility were undeniable, as was his willingness to compete. But in the face of a well-prepared Notre Dame defense, his inexperience proved costly.
While Stockton avoided throwing interceptions, his lack of awareness led to critical mistakes. Two unnecessary fumbles, including one deep in Georgia territory, directly contributed to Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities. These turnovers highlighted the steep learning curve Stockton faced in such a high-pressure environment.
Even Stockton’s successful plays revealed flaws in his execution. For instance, on a pivotal pass attempt, he badly underthrew his target, but Georgia was bailed out by a pass interference penalty. Moments like this demonstrated that while Stockton’s physical tools were evident, his ability to execute consistently under pressure was not yet developed.
There were bright spots in Stockton’s performance. His 67-yard deep ball to wide receiver Arian Smith was a perfectly placed pass, showcasing his potential. Additionally, his sideline throw to running back Cash Jones highlighted his arm strength and touch. However, these flashes of brilliance were overshadowed by the overall decline in Georgia’s offensive efficiency compared to when Beck was at the helm.
Stockton’s struggles weren’t entirely his fault. Georgia’s wide receivers, including Dillon Bell and Dominic Lovett, dropped several catchable balls, which could have helped alleviate the pressure on their young quarterback. The Bulldogs’ running game also failed to provide the necessary support, leaving Stockton to shoulder much of the offensive burden. Still, Smart’s optimism about Stockton heading into the CFP now seems overly ambitious.
Smart and the Bulldogs emphasized Stockton’s leadership and intangibles leading up to the game, praising his ability to inspire the team and keep morale high. Indeed, the team played hard for him, and Stockton’s toughness and competitiveness were evident. However, against a disciplined Notre Dame team that had 10 days to prepare, Stockton’s readiness wasn’t enough to carry Georgia to victory.
Notre Dame’s defensive game plan was tailored to exploit Stockton’s inexperience, and it worked. Their defenders consistently pressured him, forcing hurried throws and capitalizing on his mistakes. The contrast between Stockton and the steady presence of Beck was glaring, underscoring the challenge of thrusting a young, untested quarterback into the spotlight on college football’s biggest stage.
Looking ahead, Stockton still holds promise as a potential cornerstone for Georgia’s offense. The physical tools and intangibles are there, but he needs time to refine his decision-making, improve his accuracy, and develop the consistency required to thrive at the highest level. With a full offseason of preparation and experience under his belt, Stockton could emerge as a more polished and effective quarterback in 2025.
For now, Georgia must come to terms with the limitations of their quarterback situation. Smart’s confidence in Stockton wasn’t misplaced in terms of long-term potential, but it was premature to expect him to seamlessly replace Beck in a playoff environment. The Bulldogs’ loss to Notre Dame serves as a reminder of the importance of experience and preparation, especially in high-stakes games.
This offseason will be critical for Stockton and the entire Georgia program. The Bulldogs need to regroup, address their weaknesses, and focus on developing Stockton into a quarterback capable of leading them back to the CFP in 2025. If he can build on the flashes of potential he showed against Notre Dame, Stockton could be the key to Georgia’s future success.
In the end, Smart’s decision to put his faith in Stockton was both a testament to his belief in the young quarterback’s abilities and a reflection of the difficult circumstances Georgia faced after losing Beck. While the loss to Notre Dame is a bitter pill to swallow, it also provides valuable lessons for Stockton and the Bulldogs as they look to rebound next season.
If Stockton continues to grow and learn from this experience, Georgia fans may look back on this game as the start of something special. For now, however, the Bulldogs are left to reflect on what could have been and prepare for the challenges ahead.
