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ESPN’s Rece Davis (left) interviews Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) following the Bulldogs’ 65-7 victory over the No. 3 TCU Horned Frogs n the 2023 CFP national championship game on Monday, Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium. (Photo courtesy of UGA Athletics)
INGLEWOOD, CA. — Georgia head coach Kirby Smart called a timeout with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter to let quarterback Stetson Bennett soak the moment in.
The sixth-year senior then got to walk off the field at SoFi Stadium with a standing ovation after his performance in the Bulldogs’ 65-7 win over TCU in the national title game.
For one final time, Bennett, also known as the “Mailman,” delivered for the No. 1 Bulldogs.
Bennett acknowledged that he was emotional during the huddle before he walked off the field.
“The huddle, because I told all the guys, what are we doing?” Bennett asked after the game. “Why don't we have a play? I was like they're letting me walk out of here. But in the huddle, just as simple as it is, just one last huddle with the guys. And that was special coming off and seeing coach Smart, that was really cool, and I appreciate that a lot.”
Bennett completed 18-of-25 passes (72 percent) for 304 yards and four TDs. He also totaled 39 rushing yards on three attempts while adding two more scores on the ground.
The Nahunta, Ga., native also accounted for 36 of the Bulldogs’ 65 points, which ties a record that was set by LSU quarterback Joe Burrow in the CFP national title game in 2019.
Bennett was already a legend before this game, although he added to his legacy on Monday. However, he brushed off comments that he is the greatest quarterback in program history.
“There are so many different variables that go in -- scheme, players around you. I've been along for three years, we brought back pretty much the entire core of our offense from last year, so we were all clicking,” Bennett said. “We had a really good offense. It makes me proud of what I've accomplished when I hear that because it means I've done some things right, but I don't know if it's accurate or not. I grew up watching Murray and Stafford and Shock and Greene. And who's to say? Those dudes were all amazing.”
Bennett started his stellar performance on Georgia’s first offensive drive. He marched the Bulldogs down the field, scoring in five plays, and covered a lot of yardage in the process.
Georgia faced a 2nd-and-3 from the TCU 21-yard line when Bennett took matters into his own hands. He took the snap, made a quick read, and then took off running for a 21-yard gain. Bennett’s TD rush put the Bulldogs up 7-0 early and they never looked back.
The Horned Frogs then got a score and trailed 10-7 later in the first quarter, but Georgia would respond. A few plays into the next drive, Bennett dropped back in the pocket and delivered a 37-yard TD pass to wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the end zone for six.
It was all Georgia after that. Bennett tossed three more scores and rushed for another. in the game. The Bulldogs scored 58 unanswered points followed by TCU’s lone TD of the night.
Smart highlighted that Bennett’s performance on Monday night was “the best of his career.”
"His mental makeup is that of a quarterback that believes he can make every throw, and what he did tonight was truly amazing,” Smart said. “(It was) probably had the best game of his career with some of the checks he made, and some of the decisions he made. Just really elite.”
Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge was thrilled for his quarterback after the victory.
“I have tremendous respect for Stetson,” Ratledge said. “Just the way he goes about himself, and the way he’s always been doubted. You just can’t say enough about a guy like him.”
McConkey, who hauled in five receptions for 88 yards and two TDs against the Horned Frogs, was impressed with Bennett’s determination to leave as a champion.
“Everything he’s earned, he deserves. He started at the bottom, literally, and worked his way to the top,” McConkey said. “Now, he’s going to go down and out as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the University of Georgia's history. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Bennett will leave the program as one of its most successful quarterbacks. He also made history on Monday as he broke Aaron Murray’s single-season passing yards record.
The Pierce County product also leaves the Bulldogs with a 65.1 percent completion rating, which is the best in program history (with a minimum of 300 career pass attempts). Bennett also ranks fourth in passing yards (8,428) and fifth in TDs (66).
Smart admitted that he believes Bennett can succeed at the next level as a pro.
"People have slept on Stetson Bennett for too long," Smart said. "He needs an opportunity to play for a long time at the next level."