Georgia moves up in ESPN’s updated power rankings after thrilling win at Tennessee
By Mark Kern
Published:
Georgia found itself in a world of trouble early in Week 3 in Knoxville, as the Tennessee Volunteers threw a haymaker to start the game. The Bulldogs were down 21-7 midway through the first quarter, and allowed Joey Aguilar to throw for over 200 yards during that stretch.
However, the Bulldogs behind quarterback Gunner Stockton bounced back in a big way, and were able to complete the comeback in overtime, winning 44-41. With the win, Stockton and the Bulldogs moved up a spot to No. 5 overall in the latest ESPN power rankings.
Here’s Mark Schlabach on the Bulldogs:
There were plenty of doubts about whether new quarterback Gunner Stockon had enough arm and willingness to throw the ball down the field, and he more than answered those questions in a 44-41 victory at Tennessee in overtime. Stockton completed 23 of 31 passes for 304 yards with 2 touchdowns and one more rushing. He showed plenty of toughness in the pocket, taking several shots as the Volunteers tried to bring heat in the second half. Stockton’s best throw of his short career came on fourth down with about 2 ½ minutes remaining, completing a 28-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys that helped tie the score. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Stockton grew up Saturday, and though he wants his quarterback to use his legs, he wants Stockton to keep his eyes down the field when he runs.
For Stockton to be making his first start on the road in that environment and to play the way he did should have Georgia fans excited. That game couldn’t have started out any worse for the Bulldogs, but he never got flustered and showed tremendous poise.
The Bulldogs will be off next weekend, and that is huge as they have another monster game in the SEC as they host Alabama on Sept. 27 in a rematch of last year’s 41-34 classic in Tuscaloosa that the Crimson Tide won.
