Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) attempts to throw a pass during overtime of the SEC championship game against Texas on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Atlanta. Georgia had more time than Notre Dame to prepare for its College Football Playoff quarterfinals Wednesday night in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
And that could be useful for a team transitioning to an inexperienced quarterback as the season approaches.
Sophomore Gunner Stockton starts for the second-seeded Bulldogs (11-2) against the seventh-seeded Fighting Irish (12-1) after Carson Beck underwent season-ending surgery to repair an elbow injury suffered in the second quarter. I will participate. SEC Championship Game on December 7th.
Stockton replaced Beck and had an interception in Georgia’s 22-19 overtime win over Texas, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards. With the win, the Bulldogs cemented a playoff bye and extra prep time. But they didn’t know their opponent until nearly two weeks later, when Notre Dame advanced with a 27-17 first-round playoff win over Indiana on Dec. 20 in South Bend. , indiana
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the Bulldogs’ preparation for the game was limited until they knew their opponent, but the extra time helped by giving Stockton extra reps for the first team.
“I think the biggest thing (for Stockton) is competition and practice, the situations we put him in.” Smart said. “All of these things allow him to get better as a quarterback.”
Stockton completed 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards and no touchdowns this season with one interception. Freshman Nate Frazier leads the running game with 634 yards and eight TDs on 129 carries.
Ireland coach Marcus Freeman said he and his staff needed to study Stockton’s “80s play”.
“He can attack,” Freeman said. “He does things a little differently. He can use his legs to extend plays. He’s a good athlete. What I noticed most about him is that he’s a very competitive guy.”
Smart downplayed the possibility that Stockton’s running ability would make much of a difference in the Bulldogs’ game plan.
“We are who we are,” Smart said.
The flip side of the break between games is that Georgia is on a 3 1/2 bye while Notre Dame has stayed sharp, winning its 11th straight game.
“It’s really difficult to manage players’ football form and how to stay in game form,” Smart said. “Have you lost your rhythm? We watch it the most during ball games. Long breaks can affect the way people play.”
Notre Dame, like first-round winners Penn State, Ohio State and Texas, is adjusting to back-to-back postseason play as part of the 12-team CFP.
“Obviously this is a first for me,” Freeman said. “I almost prepared for this first round as if it was an opportunity, maybe a bowl game, but once the game was over, I realized it was back to preparation. …
“In the playoffs, you have to prepare in a way that gives your program the best opportunity to win. If you can put everything on the table and get the result you want, you have to go. It’s right back to preparation.”
The Irish will spend the remainder of the season without defensive tackle Riley Mills due to a knee injury he suffered against Indiana.
“The value (Mills) brings to this team is tremendous,” Freeman said. “And he’s done a great job as a football player and leader.
“What he’s done for our defense needs to be replaced in a different way. We’ve got talented players who are going to step up, and he’s taken a step forward all year that we’re very confident in.”
Mills had 7 1/2 sacks this season and he and preseason All-American Howard Cross III helped the defense overcome the loss of cornerback Benjamin Morrison, another preseason All-American who suffered a season-ending hip injury in October. Helped.
Cross missed the final three games of the regular season due to a high ankle sprain, but returned against Indiana.
On offense, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard has thrown for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns against six interceptions, and Jeremiyah Love has averaged 7.4 yards per carry for 1,057 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 142 attempts. .
–Field level media
