Georgia dominates Marshall with Gunner Stockton leading the charge, securing the Bulldogs' initial victory of the season as their No. 5 ranked team.
The Georgia Bulldogs kicked off their season with a dominant 45-7 victory against Marshall, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience.
In the game, Zachariah Branch, the incoming transfer from the University of Southern California, made a significant impact. Branch, who plays as a wide receiver, had three receptions and led the team with 95 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown in the third quarter. However, in an awkward play during the third quarter, Branch dropped to the ground holding his leg. After a brief moment, he jogged off the field, signaling it was likely just a cramp.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton, who completed 14 passes out of 24 attempts for 194 yards, also contributed to the team's success. He threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two more, demonstrating his versatility in the offense.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' defense held Marshall to just 40 first-half yards, setting the tone for the game. Nate Frazier and Dwight Phillips Jr. combined for 107 rushing yards, with Phillips scoring the only other rushing touchdown for Georgia, not named Stockton.
Elsewhere, there were upsets in the college football landscape. The No. 1 Texas Longhorns lost to the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, with a score of 14-7. Arch Manning, Texas quarterback, was held to just one touchdown. Similarly, No. 8 Alabama suffered its first season-opening loss since 2001, falling to the Florida State Seminoles with a score of 31-17.
As for the Bulldogs, they prepare for their next challenge. They host Austin Peay on Saturday, Sep. 6, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs will then kick off SEC play on Sep. 13 when they head to Knoxville for a Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers.
In other news, legendary broadcaster Lee Corso attended his final ESPN College Gameday. Meanwhile, WANF is hosting live pregame and postgame shows from Athens, featuring former Bulldog QB Jake Fromm and sports director Baillie Burmaster.
As the college football season continues, the Georgia Bulldogs will look to build on their impressive start and challenge for conference and national honours.
