Steve Spurrier takes shot at Stetson Bennett
However, former Florida Gators head coach Steve Spurrier doubts Bennett's impact on the championship winning teams. When discussing about the impact of quarterbacks on championship-winning teams, he had this to say on "Another Dooley Noted Podcast", hosted by Pat Dooley.
'I think there's two areas that are, probably, going to determine the best teams,' Spurrier said. 'Obviously, coaching is important. And then special players. It could be the quarterback but it could be other guys. Georgia won two national championships with Stetson Bennett. So, the quarterback, he needs to be a good player but he doesn't have to be one of those guys that has to throw for 300 yards every game.'
It's a strange bit of criticism from Spurrier, but it would be more surprising if he praised Georgia. Bennett threw for 300 yards or more eight times in his Georgia career, but four of those times occurred in a College Football Playoff or SEC championship game. In fact, his career-high came in the 2023 playoff semifinal against Ohio State, when he threw for 398 yards and 3 touchdowns. Georgia needed every bit of it too, winning 42-41 thanks to a missed field goal.
While Bennett had numerous talented teammates on both offense and defense during his time in Georgia (Brock Bowers, Jalen Carter, and Ladd McConkey), it's hard to say that Bennett was just along for the ride.
Now with the Rams, Bennett is looking to carve out a pro career. He had an excellent game in Week 1 of the preseason, and with Matthew Stafford dealing with back issues, he could continue getting extended looks in the preseason.
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