Gunner Stockton excels as No. 5 Georgia stomps Marshall for first win of season
ATHENS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs fired on all cylinders in Saturday’s 45-7 win against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Sanford Stadium.
In his second career start, UGA quarterback Gunner Stockton threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two of his own en route to the win. He completed 14-of-24 passes for 194 passing yards and 73 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
Stockton was subbed out for Ryan Puglisi up 38 with 2:41 left in the third quarter.
Running backs Nate Frazier and Dwight Phillips Jr. combined for 107 yards. Phillips scored the only other rushing touchdown from a player not named Stockton.
RELATED COVERAGE: Dwight Phillips Jr. scores first touchdown of UGA’s season as Bulldogs take early lead vs. Marshall
After holding Marshall to just 40 first-half yards, the Bulldogs allowed a touchdown to Thundering Herd running back Jo’Shon Barbie with around 10 minutes left in the game, preventing the shutout.
Welcome to Athens
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch on Saturday proved why he was one of the most anticipated incoming transfers of the offseason, but an awkward play had fans holding their breath in the third quarter.
Branch, an incoming transfer from the University of Southern California, caught a Marshall punt and immediately dropped to the ground holding his leg in the third quarter. He eventually got up and jogged off the field, signaling it was likely just a cramp.
This came not too long after Branch scored a 47-yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 31-0 early in the third quarter.
Turned the jets on 'em 🚀
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 30, 2025
📺: ESPN#GoDawgs | @zachariahb03 pic.twitter.com/GrfFJ8eb0g
Branch had three receptions and led the team with 95 yards. Across two seasons (23 games) at USC, Branch caught 78 passes for 823 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He officially transferred to UGA along with his brother, Zion, during the offseason.
Around the SEC
In the legendary Lee Corso’s final ESPN College Gameday, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns fell to the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes 14-7 on Saturday. Texas quarterback Arch Manning was held to just one touchdown as the Buckeyes’ defense stumped the Longhorns all throughout.
No. 24 Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri and Mississippi State all won their respective contests.
No. 8 Alabama was upset in their first every trip to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles, 31-17. It’s Alabama’s first season-opening loss since 2001.
Bulldogs’ next game
UGA hosts Austin Peay on Saturday, Sep. 6. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium.
The Bulldogs kick off SEC play on Sep. 13 when they head to Knoxville for a Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers.
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