Sure, it was Marshall. And the real Sun Belt Champion, Marshall. Georgia kicked off the season with a big 45-7 win over Marshall on Saturday between the hedges. It was Georgia’s 32nd consecutive win at home, a new SEC record. A win is a win. Don’t believe me, just ask Texas or Alabama. The key to the win wasn’t a cupcake opponent, but rather Georgia came out strong from the jump and reasserted its run game. The run game has been a key point of emphasis throughout the offseason.
Mike Bobo spoke of the importance of the run game when he met with the media on August 6th.“I think your identity, everything starts with the run game,” Bobo said. “At any level, you’ve got to be able to run the ball and stop the run. And that’s been an emphasis of ours since we got back from the Sugar Bowl. We started meeting as a staff and meeting with our players. How can we improve in that area?” When the coaches review the tape, they will see they have made improvements. And it started with the new QB1, Gunner Stockton.
Georgia Wins! Stockton and the Dawgs Run Over Marshall
Gunner Stockton’s Legs
While Arch Manning and Ty Simpson struggled as their team’s new starters on Saturday, Gunner Stockton looked like an established pro compared to his counterparts. Stockton brought an element that was missing under Georgia’s offense the last two years under Carson Beck. Beck had a hell of an arm and could sling it all over the football field, but he was one-dimensional. Sure, he could scramble here and there, but Bobo never really designed or incorporated Beck into the running game. It resulted in one of the poorest Georgia offenses in recent memory.
Stockton showed how the Georgia offense has evolved under his leadership. The zone read and speed option were alive and well on Saturday. Stockton showed off his running and elusiveness by scoring two first-half touchdowns on plays that were designed as option or read plays. Stockton led Geogia with 10 rushes for 73 yards and the two scores. His running ability will help alleviate pressure on an inexperienced offensive line and enable teams to defend both the run and the pass.
Stockton also showed that he can throw as well as pass in the win. The numbers were not flashy, but efficient. Stockton finished the day 14 of 24 for 190 yards and two more touchdowns through the air. Accounting for four touchdowns and keeping the offense moving down the field will help the young Georgia offense continue to learn, grow, and develop. Stockton became the first Georgia player in 80 years to have two touchdowns running and throwing.
Don’t Forget About the Defense
The defense played a big part in the Georgia win. The defense was also looking to make a statement on Saturday. Too often last season, the defense lacked the punch or showed an inability to exert its will on defense. Let’s take a look at Marshall’s drive chart while the first team defense was on the field for the first three quarters.
- Punt: 3 plays, -1 yard
- Punt: 3 plays, 7 yards
- Punt: 5 plays, 16 yards
- Punt: 3 plays, 2 yards
- Punt: 3 plays, 8 yards
- Punt: 3 plays, 9 yards
- Half: 1 play, -1 yard
- Punt: 4 plays, 6 yards
- Punt: 3 plays, 3 yards
- Punt: 4 plays, 13 yards
Marshall would score on their opening drive of the 4th quarter, marching 84 yards on seven plays. But taking a look at the first three quarters, the Georgia defense was dominant. Raylen Wilson led Georgia with six tackles.
Who’s Next
Georgia will play next Saturday between the hedges against Austin Peay. Game time is set for 3:30 pm. It will be the final tune-up game before the Dawgs hit the road and travel to Knoxville.
Main Image: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
