CBS Sports recently referred to Gunner Stockton as the “X-factor” for the Bulldogs. They claim that Stockton’s performance will determine UGA’s season success or failure.
I disagree.
The quarterbacks for the Gators have been incredibly reliable under Kirby Smart.
Typical statistics show that they average roughly 9.5 yards per attempt and pass for 27–29 touchdowns.
Carson Beck stands out among the outliers; he passed for 24 touchdowns in 2023 while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt.
Except for that one thing, the stat lines of Kirby’s signal callers have been extremely consistent.
Even with his inexperience, I don’t see any reason to doubt that Stockton will likewise finish in that area.
For UGA’s offence, there are many possible “X-factors,” but I don’t think Stockton is one of them.
Who are UGA’s offensive ‘X-factors?’
Without extraordinary star power, Stockton’s dependability wouldn’t make him much of a “X-factor” if Georgia fans are expecting him to be just another average Georgia quarterback.
However, Georgia’s offensive development in 2025 could be aided or hindered by a few of players with tremendous potential but poor floor.
Left tackle Monroe Freeling and centre Drew Bobo need to perform to their capabilities this season for Georgia’s offence, which only has one returning starter on the line.
Due to his shoulder issue, which had surgery after the season, Freeling had some trouble with pass protection last year.
While Jared Wilson, the incumbent starter, was out with an injury and received positive evaluations, Bobo saw little action.
To coach an offensive line that has never played a game before, though, he may need to be exceptional.
Players with the skill sets of receivers like Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas are projected to be real weapons.
After a disappointing 2024 season, they have the potential to spearhead a huge improvement in the wide receiver room if they perform as expected.
When it comes down to it, Georgia is rife with talented playmakers who just haven’t broken through.
The Bulldogs need to have a good season if they want to improve Stockton’s prospects of winning another SEC championship, and this one could be it.
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