Kirby Smart explains why Gunner Stockton is prepared for CFP moment

Kirby Smart has seen Gunner Stockton prepare for his moment for a while now. And while Stockton never knew when his moment might come throughout the season, the quarterback now knows it is his time to lead the Georgia offense in the College Football Playoff.

For the regular season, Stockton served as the backup to Carson Beck until halftime of the SEC Championship Game. That’s when Beck was ruled out with an elbow injury, and it was revealed in preparation for the Sugar Bowl that Beck’s season, and ultimately his time playing for Georgia, is done.

So, why does Kirby Smart believe Stockton is ready to make his first career start in a Playoff atmosphere? That’s the question ESPN’s Marty Smith asked on Thursday, and Smart pointed to Stockton’s preparation and resiliency through the year.

“I think his resiliency, his competitiveness, his toughness. His buy-in and love for the program. He’s worked really hard for this moment, he’s prepared for this moment, although he didn’t know when it was coming,” explained Smart. “He knows it is now.”

While Stockton has had time to prepare for this moment, it doesn’t change the difficulty level against Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame defense. The Fighting Irish are tied for 4th nationally this season with 18 interceptions and tied for 3rd nationally with a +16 turnover margin.

Stockton will need to protect the football, and Georgia can also help the QB by running the ball effectively against Notre Dame. We’ll see if the Bulldogs are able to do that and keep Stockton safe in the Sugar Bowl.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.