The Georgia Bulldogs may have secured the most impressive victory in college football through Week 2, showing resilience in a game that appeared to be slipping away. Against a determined Tennessee Volunteers team, Georgia found a way to extend its dominance in the rivalry.
Tennessee carried momentum for much of the game and looked poised to finally snap its eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs. The Volunteers jumped ahead by two scores early, putting Georgia in a difficult position. Still, quarterback Gunner Stockton and his teammates refused to fold under the pressure.
Down 38-30 with just over two minutes to play, Stockton came through with a clutch 28-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys on fourth down, followed by a successful two-point conversion to tie it. Tennessee had a chance to seal the game in regulation but missed a field goal, allowing Georgia to complete the comeback with a dramatic overtime win.
For Gunner Stockton, the showdown against Tennessee was more than just another win it was the defining performance of his career so far. The redshirt junior threw for a career-best 304 yards, adding two passing touchdowns and another score on the ground to lead Georgia’s comeback. His poise and playmaking ability cemented his rise as one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable stars.
But Stockton’s impact stretches far beyond Athens. On Tuesday, Rivals reported that his alma mater, Rabun County High School, chose to honor his accomplishments in a historic way. The program announced that it would be retiring his No. 14 jersey, ensuring his name lives on in Tiger, Georgia.
For a player whose journey has been marked by both patience and perseverance, the jersey retirement represents a homecoming tribute to the community that first believed in him. It not only celebrates his past achievements but also marks his growing legacy as he continues to shine on college football’s biggest stage.
At Rabun County, Gunner Stockton put together one of the most prolific high school careers in Georgia history. He passed for an incredible 13,652 yards with 177 touchdown throws, while also showcasing his dual-threat ability by rushing for 4,372 yards and 77 scores.
His dominance on the field was matched by recognition off it, as Stockton earned numerous accolades throughout his prep career. The highlight came during his senior year, when he was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year, a prestigious honor that underscored his statewide impact.
These achievements not only solidified Stockton’s status as a high school legend but also set the stage for his continued rise in Athens. His combination of production, leadership, and versatility made him a star long before he wore the Bulldogs uniform.
The sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will use their bye week to regroup and prepare for a major showdown. Next week, they’ll have the opportunity to avenge their 2024 defeat against the 14th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.
The matchup carries high stakes, as both programs remain firmly in the national spotlight and will look to make a statement in late September. Georgia aims to build on its momentum after a dramatic win over Tennessee, while Alabama seeks to defend its standing among the nation’s elite.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the primetime clash airing nationally on ABC. All eyes will be on Athens as another chapter unfolds in one of college football’s greatest rivalries.
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