The Georgia Bulldogs are 3-0. Their win over the Volunteers was the main story out of Week 3. The game was both a shootout and a nail-biting thriller. Tennessee’s two touchdown lead in the first quarter made it look like it was finally over for Kirby Smart and his winning streak. However, Gunner Stockton managed to close the distance in the third quarter to 28-27. They equalized in the fourth and with an unfortunate miss by Tennessee’s kicker Max Gilbert, the game went to overtime. Gilbert scored a 42-yard field goal. But RB Josh McCray sealed the win for the Dawgs with a 1-yard TD run. Final score 44-41. With this, Smart secured his 9th straight win against Tennessee.

One of the main reasons for Georgia’s epic win was the quarterback play. Gunner Stockton finished the game with over 300 yards passing on 23 of 31, with 2 scores and no interceptions. That is the stat line of someone who has played a clean and efficient game. Analysts had raised their doubts around Stockton after his last performance against Austin Peay. He has successfully silenced his critics with this statement win. Even a former Georgia legend praised the QB with a powerful message.

College Football Hall of Famer David Pollack on his YouTube Channel, See Ball Get Ball with David Pollock praised Gunner Stockton for keeping Kirby Smart’s 9-season streak alive against Tennessee. He narrated the whole play on how Tennessee had the game in their hands and lost it to Gunner and their offensive line-up. “Worst thing that could happen in one of the best atmospheres in all of college football. And all that offense is from behind.” Pollack said, “Tennessee had them exactly right where they needed to have them to win the football game. And then Gunner said, Hold my beer… he was incredible. I mean, he was really, really good, but the offense was very well orchestrated.”

He also warned Mike Bobo’s haters to “hop off for a week”. Pollock praised the way Bobo used the screen game, run game, and made the offense really kick it in gear. The gameplay from the offensive side reminded him of Georgia teams that won national championships.

Gunner stock is on the rise

After his epic performance, Stockton addressed the media. When asked how this win boosts his confidence, he said, “I think it will help a lot to build on it. You can’t transfer a win… It was just awesome, the resilient team we have. Everybody just pushing until the last second.” It appears that Stockton has finally broken the training wheels and is ready to wreak havoc on the rest of the league.

His odds for the Heisman trophy also rose drastically. In the latest Heisman odds, Gunner has the third-highest odds in CFB, with +1100. According to Fan Duel, he is now only behind Oklahoma’s QB John Mateer and Miami’s QB Carson Beck. Gunner in this season has passed for 721 yards with 4 TDs, and rushed for 124 yards and 3 TDs.

The Bulldogs need to get ready for their next match-up against the resurgent Alabama Crimson Tide on September 27. Kalen DeBoer has recharged his team with statement wins in the last two weeks. Will Gunner and Kirby Smart be able to maintain their momentum and continue their winning streak?