Kirby Smart reacts to dual-threat QB Gunner Stockton leading Georgia Bulldogs to easy win over Marshall Thundering Herd

"Proud of Gunner," Smart told reporters following the win. "Great leader, great competitor. [He] just does it the right way. Got us out of some negative plays. Had too many times that we could have been sacked, that he escaped. He took care of the ball well, made good decisions, and made good reads on his pulls. Continues to distribute the ball and did a nice job."

Stockton's top target of the day was USC transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who showed off his elite speed with three receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Stockton will have one more home game to get comfortable being the Bulldogs' QB1 when they take on Austin Peay next week before heading to Rocky Top for their first conference matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers.

Until then, he's going to soak up his first victory as Georgia's official QB1.

"It was awesome. It's a different feeling when you know you are starting for sure," Stockton said of his first start in front of a home crowd. "But this was a dream come true, and I enjoyed it."

Georgia Bulldogs Football 2025 Schedule

• Aug 30: vs. Marshall, Athens W (45-7)
• Sept. 6: vs. Austin Peay, Athens
• Sept. 13: at Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
• Sept. 20:Bye
• Sept. 27: vs. Alabama, Athens
• Oct. 4: vs. Kentucky, Athens
• Oct. 11: at Auburn, Auburn, AL
• Oct. 18: vs. Ole Miss, Athens
• Oct. 25: Bye
• Nov. 1: vs. Florida, Jacksonville, FL
• Nov. 8: at Mississippi State, Starkville, MS
• Nov. 15: vs. Texas, Athens
• Nov. 22: vs. Charlotte, Athens
• Nov. 29: vs. Georgia Tech, Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)