Stockton Shines in Debut as No. 5 Georgia Dominates Marshall, 45-7

AP Photo/Colin Hubbard

ATHENS, Ga. — The Gunner Stockton era at Georgia is off to a roaring start. In his first season opener as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, the junior flashed elite dual-threat ability, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more to lead No. 5 Georgia to a commanding 45-7 win over Marshall at Sanford Stadium on Saturday. Stockton, who patiently waited his turn behind former Georgia quarterbacks, looked poised and dynamic throughout the afternoon. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 190 yards and ran for 73 more on the ground. His scoring runs of 13 and 11 yards showcased his mobility, while his 47-yard touchdown pass to USC transfer Zachariah Branch highlighted his big-play potential through the air. “Running out as the starter is a little different than hoping you'll get in,” Stockton said postgame. “I enjoyed everything about it.” Branch, making his Bulldogs debut after transferring from Southern California, quickly made an impact, hauling in three catches for 95 yards. He burned the Marshall secondary for a 47-yard touchdown early in the game, helping Georgia build a comfortable lead by halftime. Stockton later connected with London Humphreys on a 2-yard touchdown to cap another efficient drive. Backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi also got in on the action, tossing a 23-yard touchdown to freshman tight end Elyiss Williams in the fourth quarter.

Defense Dominates Again

Georgia’s defense, under coordinator Glenn Schumann, looked every bit as dominant as expected, smothering a Marshall offense that entered the game with 74 new players and little continuity. The Thundering Herd managed just seven first downs and 207 total yards. In the first half alone, Marshall was held to 40 total yards and only one first down. Three different quarterbacks saw action for Marshall, but none could generate consistent success against Georgia’s deep and disciplined defensive unit. Safety KJ Bolden provided a special teams spark, blocking a second-quarter punt that set up Stockton’s second rushing touchdown. “I just jumped. I came looking for the ball,” Bolden said.

Quarterback Carousel for Marshall

In a surprising move, first-year head coach Tony Gibson started redshirt freshman JacQai Long over Syracuse transfer Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, who had been the presumed starter after spring ball. Long struggled early, going just 3-of-11 for 19 yards before giving way to Del Rio-Wilson and then Zion Turner, a Jacksonville State transfer. Turner provided the lone bright spot for the Herd, completing 6 of 7 passes for 100 yards and leading a late touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard scoring run from Ja’Shon Barbie with the game already well out of reach. “We’ve got to go back and evaluate who our guy is going to be next week,” Gibson said.

Stockton Signals New Chapter for Georgia

For Georgia, the performance answered several preseason questions—chief among them whether Stockton could command the offense the way Stetson Bennett once did during the Bulldogs’ national title runs. Stockton’s confident command of the offense and playmaking versatility hinted at the kind of quarterback play Georgia fans have been eager to see return.

“He gives us that extra dimension,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “His decision-making, ability to extend plays—it’s what we need.”

Injury Notes

Georgia did face some injury concerns. Freshman right guard Juan Gaston Jr. exited in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Bo Hughley filled in at right tackle for Earnest Greene III, who was held out due to stiffness, according to Smart.

What’s Next

• Georgia (1-0) stays home to host Austin Peay next Saturday in another nonconference matchup.

• Marshall (0-1) returns to Huntington to face Missouri State.

If Week 1 is any indication, the Bulldogs may have found their next star under center—and the rest of the SEC should take notice.