CFP CHAMPIONSHIP: Georgia QB Bennett works through intense scrutiny
Georgia senior quarterback Stetson Bennett was all smiles after the Bulldogs won the Orange Bowl and earned a trip to the national championship game next Monday. (Unv. Georgia Media Relations)
By GRAHAM DUNN
Quarterback Stetson Bennett is the subject of criticism usually reserved for the leader of the best teams in the country.
The scrutiny at programs like Georgia can be cutting, particularly with the national title within the grasp and one game to go.
Is what Bennett going through a step above the ridicule?
If it is, he’s not showing any signs… at least during press conferences.
“Maybe I'm not capable of holding that weight on my shoulders, but, no, I'm just treating it as a football game,” Bennett said when asked about the pressure of playing for a national title.
“Do I know (what) that means a lot to a lot of people? Yes. Am I trying to play some kind of savior by winning a national championship for millions of people? No. I don't think that's my job. My job is to go out there and throw completions to very talented people we have on this team. And I think it's as simple as that.
“So, yes, I know it means a lot to a lot of people. Is it just another game? No, I'm not silly. But I don't think for 20-year-old kids you can put that kind of pressure on yourself because you might go crazy.”
Bennett’s career probably fits the description of “up and down,” at least on the field. But the scrutiny certainly has increased, beginning after he suffered a challenging start against Alabama in 2020. From that point, every decision he has made was placed under a microscope.
Consider his timetable. As a walk-on, Bennett’s first start came against Auburn last season after pulling the Bulldogs out of the fire in an unexpected close game against Arkansas in the season opener.
He followed with a notable win over Tennessee before the Crimson Tide got a hold on him.
The intense analysis began at that point after he threw three interceptions in the 41-24 loss to the Tide.
Although Georgia lost just one more game the rest of the way (Florida), the focus was on JT Daniels, who got his first start of the season against Mississippi State the week after the loss to the Gators.
Bennett did not start again until the current season’s second game due to a Daniels injury. Bennett has started every game since Week 5.
The goal, despite the criticism, has never changed nor has his attitude about what others think.
“I’ve always kind of felt like you can't really – maybe some people can – tell people what to think about me or something,” Bennett said. “I just kind of am who I am. And I try to be the best person I can be, football and in life. And I don't really know why people like me, but if that's why it is, then so be it.”
While the scrutiny has been intense, Bennett’s performances usually fit the competition. He looked solid against the likes of Kentucky and Georgia Tech. Ironically, his best performance stats-wise was against Alabama in the SEC Championship game where he threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two interceptions, one a Pick-6.
Part of the criticism includes the fact that fan focus has always been on Daniels and his desired return.
But has the performance exceeded expectations?
You wouldn’t know from comments by head coach Kirby Smart, who’s spoken in code most of the time when discussing his signal callers.
“We just talk about the guys that are doing their job,” when asked about quarterback situation prior to the win over Michigan in the Orange Bowl. “All four of those guys have done a tremendous job working. Brock (Vandergriff) has been giving us a great picture down on the scout team end. JT and Stetson are both doing a really good job simulating the offense that Coach (Todd) Monken wants to do. Like I talk about all the time, we are going to play the guy that gives us the best chance to win. I am really proud of the way both of those guys have practiced.”
Bennett and the Bulldogs have another shot at Alabama on Monday in the CFP National Championship game in Indianapolis. The senior doesn’t expect too many changes in the approach.
“I guess, are you going to outsmart yourself? Are you going to over think everything? No. We are not,” he said. “Obviously when we go out on the field, would I prefer for Alabama if they're going to change anything up to send us an e-mail this week? I would love that, but I assume they won't. So we're going to prepare with what they've put on tape. And obviously other – we're going to stick with their tendencies, just the same way I do every week, and be ready to adjust, say they come out in a completely different defense.
“But I would be willing to bet they're not because they're here in the national championship. They're not going to change up and go all Arkansas on us. They're not going to do that. They're going to be Alabama. And we're going to be Georgia. And we're going to see who executes better. And if there is a wrinkle come Monday night from either side, then whoever adjusts best to that will win the football game.”
Like the first meeting, Georgia is a favorite in the game, something Bennett isn’t concerned about. Like his coach said, it’s about preparation.
“I'm just treating it as another game and I'm preparing my butt off, and everybody on this team is,” he said. “But the reason we're doing that is because we respect the heck out of Alabama and the team they are. And we know we'll have to give it our best shot to win this game.”
When it’s finished, Bennett will once again be judged on his performance, which in turn will be judged on whether or not the Bulldogs hoist the national championship trophy.