My 30^th season covering Georgia football for Football Atlanta. I moved to Georgia in 1974. But, it took me 22 years to finally make my way to Athens. I’ve been back every season since.

   Beautiful blue skies and pleasant temps in the low 80s for the 2025 season opener in Athens.

   Coming in, Marshall was coming off a nice 10-3 season where they won the Sun Belt Championship with an impressive 31-3 win over the Ragin’ Cajuns.

   But, the Bulldogs had an even more impressive 2024 season, winning the SEC Championship over Texas before falling in the playoffs to Notre Dame.

   After this one, the Thundering Herd looked more like the Sprinkling Herd.

   Georgia opened their 2025 season with a commanding 45-7 victory over the Marshall Thundering Herd at Sanford Stadium. Redshirt junior quarterback Gunner Stockton enjoyed a standout debut as the full-time starter, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing two scoring passes, showcasing the dual-threat ability that the Dawgs have missed since their 2021-22 championship years. Georgia led 45-0 before Marshall scored their lone touchdown late in the game against mostly backups, demonstrating dominance on both sides of the ball.

  Head Coach Kirby Smart praised Stockton’s creativity and athleticism, noting how the quarterback’s mobility added a new dimension to the offense. Stockton himself expressed confidence in the team’s execution, highlighting how the offense was able to maintain momentum throughout the game. Receiver Zachariah Branch, a transfer from USC, made big plays including a 47-yard touchdown catch, and others like London Humphreys and Elyiss Williams contributed with key receptions for TDs.

   The defense was relentless, limiting Marshall to just 40 total yards in the first half and forcing multiple three-and-outs, with special teams even blocking a punt that helped keep the pressure on. 

   Postgame, Smart remarked on the importance of starting strong, especially with the new clock rules, emphasizing that pairing quick scoring drives with defensive stops was key to Georgia’s control of the game. He acknowledged the challenge Marshall presented, but was pleased with how well the Bulldogs executed their game plan. Stockton noted that the team was focused on being aggressive and maintaining their intensity from start to finish, which clearly paid off in this dominant opening performance.

   Marshall’s Head Coach Tony Gibson, who was optimistic about the matchup before the game, saw his team struggle offensively, managing just one first down in the first half despite entering with confidence after a Sun Belt championship the previous season. Chevrolet Gibson candidly admitted Georgia’s tough home-field advantage and the Bulldogs’ superior execution proved overwhelming.

   Overall, the Bulldogs kicked off their 2025 campaign with a statement win, fueled by a thrilling performance from Stockton and solid contributions across offense, defense, and special teams. They now turn their attention to their next nonconference matchup against Austin Peay, looking to build on this early-season success.

   That game kicks off next Saturday, again in Athens, again at 3:30 p.m.