The Georgia Bulldogs continued their relatively easy early-season slate with a70-20 win against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. The Bulldogs never made it close, scoring touchdowns on their first eight drives, and they reached 70+ points for the first time since 1994.
Gunner Stockton was electric to start, throwing for 234 yards and a career-high five touchdowns on 16 dropbacks. The running game was great in the aggregate, with 234 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries. The defense was much more active, getting a pick-six and a fumble recovery. Georgia moves to 2-0, while Western Kentucky moves down to 0-2.
Gunner Stockton masterclass
Many discussions will be had about the Heisman candidacy, but I haven't heard a ton of Heisman buzz around Gunner Stockton. While he has
played against easier competition than many, he deserves to be in the conversation.
I mentioned his performance earlier. He completed 13 of his 16 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns, which is a career-high for him. That brings his total to 436 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. It appears as if he's reading the field and understanding Mike Bobo's scheme better in Year 2 as the starter than in Year 1.
Stockton isn't the running favorite for the Heisman, but even against weak competition, he's making a great argument for it.
Turnovers came in bunches
The 63-3 win against Tennessee State was dominant, but there was one key thing missing from making it perfect: turnovers. Georgia didn't force any turnovers from Tennessee State.
Against the Hilltoppers, those turnovers came in bunches. Georgia earned a pick-six and a fumble in the second quarter, along with an interception in the third quarter. Demello Jones had the first pick, then Blake Stewart tried to return a pick. He fumbled the ball, and it was recovered in the end zone by freshman Tyriq Green. Speaking of which...
What a game by Tyriq Green
Tyriq Green stood out to me in G-Day as one of the true freshmen who could actually play an important role for Georgia. He showed he could hang with some of Georgia's best receivers, and in games like Western Kentucky, true freshmen get opportunities.
Green took advantage of those opportunities. He had a fumble recovery for a touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown as well.
With Georgia's secondary full of proven starters and veterans, I don't know how much of a role Green is able to get this next season. However, he's making a strong impression.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Takeaways from Georgia's 70-20 win vs. Western Kentucky
