There’s not much to learn from spring games. Even calling them glorified exhibitions is generous. They serve as offseason fodder, giving fans craving football a reminder that next season is waiting on the other side of summer. But Georgia’s edition Saturday moved an important conversation forward.
The Bulldogs’ spring game generated interest not only because they’re the two-time defending national champions, but because of the sport’s most important position. Stetson Bennett’s illustrious career finally ended. The Bulldogs are tasked with replacing him – a massive storyline for college football’s new most-dominant program.
Many outsiders believe they know who’ll be under center Sept. 2 against Tennessee-Martin. Carson Beck, a junior, was Bennett’s No. 2 and seems primed to have his patience rewarded. He’s competing against sophomore Brock Vandagriff with redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton on the peripherals of the conversation.
The simple stats from Saturday: Beck went 15-for-22 passing for 231 yards and a touchdown. Vandagriff went 13-for-25 for 175 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Stockton went 13-for-22 for 144 yards with an interception and a rushing score.
“I thought both of them (Beck and Vandagriff) had good composure, good pocket presence,” coach Kirby Smart said. “I thought Brock used his legs several times to take off running. Brock unfortunately had some guys drop the ball on him. I thought those balls were really well thrown and should’ve been caught. He did a nice job in the pocket making those throws. Then Gunner did some good things.
“I’m really pleased with all three quarterbacks. What you saw today was similar to watch we’ve seen all spring. We have three really good quarterbacks who can make the throws and do a really good job.
