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Kirby Smart lays out how QB change to Gunner Stockton affects Georgia offense
By Crissy Froyd
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Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs suffered a significant loss when star quarterback Carson Beck went down with what is being called an injury to the elbow area just ahead of the second half of the team’s 22-19 overtime win over Texas.
That injury forced the team to turn to backup Gunner Stockton, who far exceeded the expectations despite his lack of in-game experience. Ironically, when Stockton had to exit for one play in the final moments of the game, it turned out to be the play that Trevor Etienne scored the game-winning touchdown with Beck returning to the game to simply hand the ball off.
But depending on what the outlook is for Beck, the Bulldogs could have to roll with the Tiger, Georgia native all the way through the rest of the postseason. Fortunately for Georgia, it has a first-round bye with the next game being played in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
So, if the team goes to Stockton, what does that mean for the offense? Smart elaborated on that Sunday afternoon.
“I think his strengths are somewhat different than Carson (Beck’s) obviously,” Smart said. He added that Stockton gave the Bulldogs some things on offense that Beck doesn’t necessarily have in terms of athleticism, but that there are some things Beck has in his toolbox that Stockton does not present.
Kirby Smart says Gunner Stockton gives Georgia some good things with his athleticism, and that there are different things that fit him.
"I think his strengths are somewhat different than Carson (Beck's) obviously."
Adds that he doesn't feel Georgia has to change the offense…
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) December 8, 2024
Despite that, Smart also said that there is a plan in place for Stockton week in and week out and that he does not feel the Georgia offense will have to adapt or change much if Stockton is indeed the starter moving forward.
As for Beck’s outlook, Smart did not have much of an official update on Sunday. The head coach did reveal Beck underwent an MRI but those results are still pending.
Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.
