Why Stockton Will Lead the Bulldogs to Sugar Bowl Glory

Photo by Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At the end of the first half in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, all of the Georgia Bulldogs fanbase took a collective gasp as star quarterback Carson Beck went down with an injury to his right elbow.

Most Bulldog fans thought that that was the end of their season. While it was the end of the season for Beck, who would end up having surgery on his elbow, backup quarterback Gunner Stockton became an instant sensation. Stockton helped Georgia win the game after what had been a game full of field goals in the first half. The Dawgs won 22-19 in overtime in Atlanta, Ga.

He is now slated to become the Bulldogs starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Who's Next for the Bulldogs?

Stockton and the No. 2 seed Bulldogs (11-2) will take on the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The Irish advanced to the second round after beating the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 at home in South Bend, Ind.

Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

This game will be very close as this Notre Dame team has been one of the best it has been in a few years. Behind Stockton, the Bulldogs could even see a rematch of the SEC Championship as the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns (12-2) are on the other side of the College Football Playoff bracket.

What They Need to Do

Deep in the heart of SEC country, Caesars Superdome may be predominately filled with Georgia Bulldogs fans as it will be located in New Orleans. Using the home-field advantage they should have as well as the overall skill difference in multiple positions on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs should win this game. Even with Stockton starting, Georgia is still favored, if only by a single point.

Running back Trevor Etienne will also be a major factor in this game and provide a nice relief for Stockton in the rushing game. If the Bulldogs are able to convert their success from field goals into touchdowns—unlike their game against the Longhorns in the SEC Championship—they might look a bit more dominant against the Irish. The Georgia offense also flowed better when Stockton was on the field. If they are able to do the same against Notre Dame, Georgia could run away with it.