Picture this: Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fresh off steamrolling Curt ‘Google Me, I Win’ Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 in the first round, is now rolling up to the Caesars Superdome to square off against Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP Quarterfinals. It’s the 91st annual Sugar Bowl, New Year’s evening, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Georgia’s got their star QB Carson Beck on the bench after that elbow surgery, which means backup Gunner Stockton—a dual-threat former 5-star recruit—is stepping into the limelight. And Marcus Freeman? He’s ain’t falling for the “inexperienced backup” narrative.

Marcus Freeman hopped on The Herd With Colin Cowherd on Christmas Eve and gave us the real scoop on prepping for Stockton. When asked how to prepare for a QB who barely got any tape on him. Freeman said, “I think you look at the 13 games they’ve played… they’re not going to be a completely different offense with a new quarterback.” He low-key kept it a buck.

He acknowledged Stockton’s limited snaps while emphasizing his clutch performance in the SEC Championship. “There’s about 80, 83 plays of him we have in a cut-up,” Freeman added, showing he’s already clocked more footage than most analysts. That’s the energy of a man who’s done his homework. No wonder why Notre Dame wants to keep him through 2030.

Let’s rewind to that SEC Championship. Georgia’s offense was wobbling after Beck went down, and then Stockton came in like a G, going 12-of-16 for 71 yards. Nothing flashy, but the kid moved the chains, made quick decisions, and kept it clean. No turnovers. Georgia squeaked past Texas with Stockton at the helm, proving he’s not just another clipboard holder.

But here’s where Freeman’s Notre Dame defense steps in. They’ve got the fourth-most interceptions in the FBS and a secondary fast enough to keep up with Georgia’s speedy wideouts. Freeman’s approach? Stick to the basics. “We’re still going to plan to see the things that we’ve seen their offense do. No matter who’s been at quarterback,” he said. Translation: Notre Dame ain’t switching up just because there’s a new guy under center.

Stockton might have that dual-threat label, but he’s stepping into the lion’s den against a Notre Dame defense that’s been cooking all season. Sure, the Irish are missing DT Rylie Mills because of a knee injury, but this squad’s got depth. They’ve been locking down offenses all year and aren’t about to let a sophomore QB throw them off.

Can Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame topple ‘Beck-less’ Georgia?

Alright, here’s how it’s shaking out. Georgia’s run game has been mid—11th in the SEC—and that’s bad news against a Notre Dame squad that’ll keep the pigskin on the ground all night. QB Riley Leonard and RB Jeremiyah Love have combined for 31 rushing TDs this season, and they’re ready to feast on Georgia’s shaky rush defense. If the Irish can dominate time of possession, it’s a wrap.

On the flip side, Georgia’s loaded wide receiver room will test Notre Dame’s secondary. Look, Stockton’s got weapons, no doubt. But his inexperience could make him easy pickings for a defense that’s feasted on turnovers all season. Beck accounted for 29 TDs this year, and Stockton ain’t that guy yet.

Prediction? This game’s going over 44 points. Both teams are missing key players, but Notre Dame’s got the edge with their ground game and opportunistic defense. Georgia might get a few big plays, but the Irish will grind this one out for the dub. Analyst Emory Hunt shared a similar sentiment with CBS Sports, confidently stating that with or without Beck, “Notre Dame is going to beat Georgia.” Hunt pointed out Freeman and Co’s strengths, saying, “Notre Dame is great both sides of the line of scrimmage. They can run the football. They can shut down your passing game.” 

In the end, Freeman’s team looks good for the big W. And the HC’s game plan is clear too: stay disciplined, dominate trenches, exploit Georgia’s weaknesses, and let Stockton’s inexperience show. It’s a classic battle of brains vs. brawn, and Freeman’s got the smarts to pull it off.