As the Georgia Bulldogs turn the page to a new era under quarterback Gunner Stockton, one thing is abundantly clear: the success of this offense won’t hinge solely on Stockton’s arm—it will depend on whether Georgia can get back to running the football.
David Pollack, former Georgia All-American and college football analyst, put it bluntly in a recent interview: “If Gunner Stockton is a guy that can play action pass and use that part of his game and they do what Georgia has done with Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck and all these guys, he absolutely can be successful. If you’re going to drop back and throw the ball 30, 40 times a game and not have a run game, I don’t think they’re going to be back where they were (SEC champions and College Football Playoff appearance).”
Pollack’s warning speaks directly to one of Georgia’s most significant concerns heading into the 2025 season. In 2024, Georgia posted its worst rushing output since 2011. The Bulldogs leaned far too heavily on Carson Beck, asking him to carry the offense through the air while the offensive line absorbed wave after wave of pass rush. It was a stark departure from the balance and physical dominance that had become trademarks of the Kirby Smart era.
The challenge this season is even steeper. Georgia’s offensive line is younger and less experienced than a year ago, making it all the more critical for offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to scheme effectively in the run game. Getting these linemen moving forward, rather than sitting back in pass protection, allows them to set the tone and build confidence. It also takes pressure off Stockton, who’s stepping into the starting role with limited game reps.
The Bulldogs don’t need Stockton to be a superhero. They need him to be efficient, composed, and opportunistic—just like Bennett and Beck before him. That won’t happen without a credible ground attack that forces defenses to respect the play action and opens up high-percentage throws.
If Georgia wants to maintain its spot atop the SEC and make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff, the blueprint is simple: run the ball, protect your quarterback, and let Stockton operate within a balanced, physical offense. Without that, Pollack’s concern may become Georgia’s reality.