Kirby Smart fires back at Paul Finebaum over Gunner Stockton comments
SEC college football expert Paul Finebaum has expressed significant concern about Gunner Stockton being Georgia's starting quarterback for the upcoming college football season.
"I'd say that's a big not fine.", said Finebaum about Gunner Stockton serving as Georgia's starting quarterback during a "Fine/Not Fine" segment on ESPN's SportsCenter. "I know the team coalesced around him after the SEC championship game, but I was underwhelmed by what I saw from Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame."
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In the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame, Stockton, making his first career start, completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown. Georgia lost the game 23-10, struggling on offense with two fumbles and failing to convert any of their three fourth-down attempts.
Kirby Smart later joined addressed Finebaum's show and discussed his comments directly.
"I didn't miss it," said Smart when asked about Finebaum's comments. "Yeah, I'm excited. Gunner (Stockton) got the message, man." Smart implies that Finebaum's comments will serve as motivation for Stockton, who is projected to be Georgia's starting quarterback in 2025. While Smart has not officially named Stockton the starter, all signs point to him taking the role, especially given his experience in the system compared to other UGA quarterbacks like Ryan Puglisi.
"I feel like at this point in your career, you need a little bit of help from me," said Finebaum. "To get you to the first game and over the finish line."
Smart's comments with Paul Finebaum
"I am glad you did!" said Smart. "That's why I always come on your show because I love the fact that you give me all that motivation."
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirby Smart responds as Paul Finebaum calls Gunner Stockton 'not fine'
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