Georgia has spent more time preparing than Notre Dame for Wednesday night’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
And that could be beneficial for a team that turns to an inexperienced quarterback ahead of the season.
Sophomore Gunner Stockton started the game against the second-seeded Bulldogs (11-2) after Carson Beck underwent season-ending surgery to repair an elbow injury sustained in the second quarter. He will start against the 7th-seeded Fighting Irish (12-1). SEC Championship Game on December 7th.
Stockton replaced Beck and completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception in Georgia’s 22-19 overtime win over Texas. The victory gave the Bulldogs a playoff bye and allowed them additional preparation time, but nearly two weeks later, Notre Dame faced Indiana in the first round of the playoffs on Dec. 20 in South Bend. The Bulldogs didn’t know their opponent until the University won 27-17 to advance. ,India.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the Bulldogs’ preparation for the game was limited until they knew their opponent, but the extra time helped Stockton by getting more first-team appearances.
“I think the biggest thing (for Stockton) is just competing and practicing and the situation we put him in,” Smart said. “All of these things allow him to get better as a quarterback.”
Stockton completed 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception this season. Freshman Nate Frazier led the running game with 634 yards and eight TDs on 129 carries.
Irish coach Marcus Freeman said he and his staff needed to study Stockton’s “80-odd plays.”
“He can run the offense,” Freeman said. “He does things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his feet and he’s a good athlete. Probably the thing that stood out to me most about him is that he’s a very competitive person. is.”
Smart downplayed the possibility that Stockton’s running ability would make a big difference in the Bulldogs’ game plan.
“We are who we are,” Smart said.
After the break between games, Notre Dame remains on a hot streak with 11 straight wins, while Georgia has the equivalent of 3 1/2 byes.
“It’s really hard how to keep guys in football shape and game shape,” Smart said. “Do you ever get out of rhythm? We see it a lot in bowl games, and when you have a long break, it can affect your play.”
Notre Dame, along with fellow first-round winners Penn State, Ohio State and Texas State, are adjusting to play back-to-back postseason games as part of the 12-team CFP.
“Obviously, this is a first for me,” Freeman said. “You were preparing for this first round as if it were an occasion, like a bowl game, and then you realized that once the game was over, you would go back to preparing…
“In the playoffs, you have to prepare in a way that gives your program the best chance to win. You put everything on the table and then if you get the results you want, you have to go.” I’ll get back to preparing right away. ”
The Irish will be without defensive tackle Riley Mills for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury against Indiana.
“The value (Mills) brings to this team is immeasurable,” Freeman said. “And he’s done a great job as a football player and as a leader.
“We have to replace what he did for our defense in a different way because we have talented players who are going to step up and have stepped up all year. We are very confident.”
Mills has 7 1/2 sacks this season, and he and preseason All-American Howard Cross III, fellow preseason All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison, suffered a season-ending thigh injury in October. He contributed to overcoming the loss of defense due to the loss.
Cross missed the final three games of the regular season with an ankle sprain, but returned against Indiana.
On offense, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard rushed for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns against six interceptions, and Jeremiah Love averaged 7.4 yards per carry with 1,057 rushing yards and 16 TDs on 142 attempts. was recorded.
–Field level media
