G-Day, g day? The Georgia Bulldogs are in some ways the face of the sport, as hyperbolic as that sounds. In a year when plenty of programs- including fellow bluebloods Nebraska- chose to refrain from holding a spring game, Kirby Smart’s program embracing the tradition was a win for the CFB traditionalists. A faction that’s definitely been put through pain this weekend over the Tennessee-Nico Iamaleava development. Alas, Georgia have come through G-Day unscathed on the injury front. Which definitely took precedence over any takeaways or learnings. However, an answer to head coach Smart and OC Mike Bobo’s quarterback conundrum was also a priority. Gunner Stockton vs Ryan Puglisi was an underlying theme. Well, we’re privy to the outcome now.
Before spring camp, and largely through its 15 non-contact practices, Gunner Stockton was QB1-elect. He’s the natural successor to the void left behind by Carson Beck. The reasons are fairly straightforward. He’s been at the program longer, biding his time and learning the ropes. By extension he’s had more time in Coach Bobo’s offense. More importantly, Stockton was a breath of fresh air for the Dawgs when he stepped in for Beck in two massive spots last season. He invigorated the team with his very first series and sparked a comeback in the SEC championship game after coming in on short notice to replace the injured Beck in the 2nd half. Stockton then carried this momentum into the playoffs, with a valiant effort against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. But even with all this baked in, Stockton isn’t a guaranteed starter. Puglisi’s really challenging his place atop the depth chart.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi had more than a puncher’s chance heading into the spring game. Did the former 4-star recruit take it? Yes and no. He threw a pick towards the beginning of the day. Coincidentally, as did Gunner Stockton. But it’s almost as if the pair needed to shrug of some jitters and rust. After their initial hiccups, both fared excellently. To contextualize this, Stockton was 10/20 with 147 air yards and an INT at half time. Puglisi was 10/19, with 87 yards and an INT as well. But the script flipped by the end. Stockton went 7/14 with 162 yards and 2 house calls the rest of the way. Puglisi, with more 1st team reps now, actually slinged it at a higher clip. He threw a whopping 30 passes in the 2nd half. While he had 2 TDs of himself, he completed a measly 13 passes. With this baked into the equation, Kirby Smart resounded his thoughts in the aftermath.
In his post-spring game presser, Coach Smart was asked to leverage his thoughts on the QB hierarchy. With this being the last real data point before fall, fans were prepared to cling onto his every word. Unfortunately, Kirby Smart chose to tread with ambiguity and neutrality. “Both did some good things, and both did some poor things… I think both those guys understand the offense.” he said. At least coach did single out Ryan Puglisi to and slightly elaborated on his performance. He mentioned that Puglisi “has come a long way in what was his first spring and made some good throws.”
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