Gunner Stockton took charge of the Georgia offense after starting quarterback Carson Beck suffered an injury in the first half of the SEC Championship Game. Stockton’s stellar performance rejuvenated the Bulldogs’ offense, leading them to a 22-19 overtime victory.

With Beck facing a serious injury, Stockton could potentially start in one or more postseason games. Former ESPN analyst David Pollack believes Stockton’s energy could be a significant advantage for Georgia moving forward.

“I am not saying Carson Beck is not good… but Carson Beck is absolutely a flatliner,” Pollack stated in a video that was uploaded to X, the platform that was originally part of Twitter. “He lacks emotion…. When my quarterback gets juiced up, I love it. I support it wholeheartedly. Your squad is invigorated as Gunner goes to the right on his first drive and runs a man over rather than out of bounds, while the sideline is bouncing up and down wildly.

Unlike Kirby Smart, Beck is not the type to have emotional swings, but Stockton was pumped up the moment he stepped onto the field against Texas. The squad and the supporters may catch on to that kind of enthusiasm.

Although Beck has done a great job leading the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, Stockton’s vivacious personality had an unmistakable impact on this game.

Beck has more time to recover thanks to the first-round bye, but Pollack believes Georgia will be fine with Stockton at quarterback if Beck isn’t well enough for the Sugar Bowl.

Georgia football is adding players to their list of injuries.

Both Jordan Hall and Tate Ratledge

Two important players for Georgia are expected to return shortly, most likely for their match against Florida the following week.

Tate Ratledge, the starting offensive lineman, is the first. He hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury during the Kentucky game. Both Jordan Hall and Ratledge were warmed up and clothed prior to last week’s Texas game, but they were held out for safety reasons. However, it looks like both of them could be prepared for Florida the following week.

Kirby Smart did, however, discuss Hall’s injury status earlier this week, and it does seem possible that he won’t be able to play against Florida.

“You never know, it might just happen on a single rep, and that’s limited the workload he’d prefer to take,” Smart told 247Sports. “But he’s out there today, doing more this week than he did last week.”

It’s concerning that Hall’s condition could deteriorate in a single rep. With the big game looming next week, fans can only hope that Smart continues to report steady improvement.

The status of Smael Mondon remains uncertain as well. The linebacker is another key player Georgia is eager to see return. While he’s currently listed as questionable, Mondon has shown noticeable progress in his recovery.

“We’re hoping Smael returns. I’m eager for him to return,” Smart said. “Hopefully, it will happen quickly. He’s currently with us, and I’m not sure when he’ll return.”

The fact that Mondon is working with the team is encouraging, but the latter half of Smaet’s comment raises some concerns. It sounds like it might be a few more weeks until Mondon returns, but perhaps that’s simply Smart’s way of not giving away too much information.

Running back problems

Georgia’s running back room is still in a difficult situation. Due to the absence of both Branson Robinson and Roderick Robinson, Trevor Etienne was virtually left to fend for himself in the backfield against Texas. We would all much like not have to rely on only one back, but fortunately Etienne answered admirably with three touchdowns.

Branson Robinson is doubtful for the Florida game, but Roderick Robinson has already been declared out. Therefore, perhaps next Saturday UGA will have another back to pair alongside Etienne.