The MRI results have Georgia football fans on the edge of their seats, constantly refreshing for updates on the status of starting quarterback Carson Beck. Monday brought more waiting as coach Kirby Smart stated in the early afternoon that they should get the results within the next few hours. One thing is certain - Beck has a right elbow injury, and Georgia is just three weeks and two days away from playing in the College Football Playoff on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl.

Waiting and Uncertainty

There has been no news from Smart's media session on Sunday indicating good news. The delay in the school providing more information about Beck's injury also adds to the uncertainty. Beck and his camp are also considering his NFL future. On3 reported on Monday that Beck is dealing with a UCL injury and is getting second opinions.

The Impact of a Potential Change

If Georgia has to turn to Gunner Stockton, it raises questions about how it will impact the No. 2 seeded CFP team. Stockton became a folk hero in the SEC Championship Game with his gutsy performance in the second half during the overtime win over Texas. Can the Bulldogs win three playoff games with a favorable path that could start against Notre Dame and end against No. 1 Oregon?In 2021 before Georgia played a CFP semifinal, offensive coordinator Todd Monken had strong faith in Stetson Bennett. He believed they could win the national championship with Bennett. Now similar questions will arise about Stockton if he is thrust into a starting role. Bennett had 15 starts under his belt after a shaky outing in the SEC Championship loss to Alabama and went on to win back-to-back national titles. Stockton, a redshirt sophomore, would make his starting debut in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame or Indiana in the CFP quarterfinal if Beck is out.

Stockton's Experience and Abilities

Stockton's body of work is limited, but he has played on big stages. He stepped in during the second half of the SEC Championship Game when Georgia scored 13 points after being held to just 3 in the first with Beck at the helm. He also led Georgia on a 75-yard touchdown drive to start the second half after Beck was injured on the final play of the first half and managed to hold onto the ball on a designed run in overtime despite a hard hit that knocked off his helmet.Smart said, "The team has a lot of confidence in Gunner. He's very smart, very intelligent. It's probably more about picking the right volume and not having everything that we have with Carson, but having things that fit Gunner." Stockton is a four-star recruit out of Rabun County and has played in eight games, completing 37 of 51 passes for 354 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 73 yards on 22 carries and showed his athleticism on Saturday.

Georgia's Need for Defense

There will be a lot of discussion now about what this all means for Georgia. Some hot takes have already surfaced over the weekend. Skip Bayless posted on X, "I like Georgia's chances a little more with Gunner Stockton at QB. Gives 'em Stetsonish spark." Georgia has shown it can win on some of Beck's worst days this season. But it will need its defense to rise up like it did against Texas to help ease Stockton.Smart said, "The kid played just tough as nails. He hasn't gotten to play much this year. That's the hardest part. You don't get a chance to play these guys. The Florida State game is probably the most he's played. But can't say enough about his toughness, character, whatever you want to say. The guy is a phenomenal leader. He made some good plays."If Beck is out, Georgia's players will need to rise to the occasion again in the Sugar Bowl. Then, if they advance to the Orange Bowl in the semifinals and back to Atlanta on the same field with a national title on the line, they will need to continue to perform at a high level.