Georgia football has worst passing performance in over five years

The Georgia Bulldogs couldn't pass the ball effectively against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. It didn't matter because Georgia's defense and running game stepped up as Georgia won 16-9 in a defensive brawl.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton had a season-low 70 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception against Georgia Tech. Stockton's QBR of 25.2 is his lowest of the season. Entering Friday, Georgia Tech had the least interceptions (two) in the country.

Georgia's 70 yards passing is the least for the Bulldogs since Georgia played Kentucky in absolute downpour in 2019 (52 combined passing yards from both reams).

Stockton and the UGA offense struggled to move the ball through the air all game. Georgia Tech has the No. 100 pass defense efficiency in the country and Georgia will almost certainly face a better pass defense in the SEC championship and in the College Football Playoff.

After the game, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was asked about the Bulldogs' passing struggles.

"I want to see the tape," Smart said. "Obviously, it wasn't great. There was some drop-eight (defenders into coverage) in there, there was some pressure he took on, a couple batted balls. He's got to do what he's coached to do. That's the toughest thing.

"Mike (Bobo) and (Brandon) Streeter have got to put him in great situations. There's a couple plays that we think were out there that we didn't make. He'll watch the tape. He'll grow from it and get better. So will the rest of the team."

Stockton has 2,465 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Against Georgia Tech, he added over 40 rushing yards and helped the Bulldogs move the sticks just enough. However, he appears to be out of the Heisman race after his last two performances. Stockton needs to get hot at the right time (now) for Georgia to make a significant postseason run.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia QB Gunner Stockton has historic struggles in UGA win