Athens, Ga. — Under a clear Georgia sky on a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon, the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs opened their 2025 season in style, steamrolling the Marshall Thundering Herd 45–7 at Sanford Stadium. From kickoff to the final whistle, it was all Bulldogs—asserting themselves early as a College Football Playoff contender.
Nearly every pregame prediction forecasted a blowout, and Georgia delivered. With the stadium packed and buzzing with over 90,000 red-and-black clad fans, the Bulldogs took care of business behind a clinical performance from quarterback Gunner Stockton and a defense that suffocated Marshall from the opening snap.
A Touch of History and Politics to Start the Day
Before football even took center stage, there were plenty of storylines swirling around Athens:
Georgia legend Herschel Walker made a surprise appearance during the first half. He was fresh off being inducted into the UGA Circle of Honor the night prior, joining tennis coaching icons Manuel Diaz and Jeff Wallace in receiving the university’s highest athletic distinction.
On the political front, former Tennessee coach turned Senate candidate Derek Dooley made waves tailgating with Georgia fans, accompanied by Governor Brian Kemp, who publicly endorsed him at the game. It was yet another example of how sports and politics often collide in SEC territory.
First Quarter: Georgia Hits the Ground Running
From the opening series, Georgia looked sharp and businesslike:
Derrick Phillips opened the scoring with a 17-yard touchdown run, and Peyton Woodring added the extra point.
On the next drive, Gunner Stockton kept it himself for a 13-yard touchdown run, quickly doubling the lead.
By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs led 14–0 and had already made it clear: Marshall was in for a long afternoon.
Second Quarter: Bulldogs Extend the Lead
Georgia kept the pressure on in the second quarter:
Stockton added his second rushing touchdown, this time an 11-yard score, pushing the lead to 21–0.
Later, Woodring drilled a 43-yard field goal, making it 24–0.
By halftime, Georgia had converted every red zone trip into points, committed zero turnovers, and outgained Marshall by over 200 yards. Head coach Kirby Smart, entering his ninth season, had his team playing crisp, focused football in every phase.
Third Quarter: Branch Makes a Statement, Stockton in Control
The third quarter belonged to Zachariah Branch, the electric transfer wideout from USC. On Georgia’s first drive of the half, Stockton hit Branch in stride for a 47-yard touchdown bomb—Branch’s first score as a Bulldog.
Later in the quarter, Stockton connected with tight end Lawson Humphreys on a short 2-yard touchdown pass, capping another clock-chewing drive.
Stockton finished his day responsible for four total touchdowns (2 rushing, 2 passing) and showcased the poise and versatility Georgia fans were hoping to see this season.
By the end of the third, Georgia led 38–0, having scored on six of their first seven possessions.
Fourth Quarter: Georgia Empties the Bench, Marshall Gets on the Board
With the game well in hand, backup quarterback R.J. Puglisi took the reins in the fourth. On his first drive, he delivered a sharp 23-yard touchdown pass to Eli Williams, extending Georgia’s lead to 45–0.
Marshall finally broke the shutout in the closing minutes. Running back J.D. Barbie punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, and Landon Quinn’s extra point put the Herd on the board, but it was little more than consolation.
Final Stats & Takeaways
Gunner Stockton: 17-of-22, 216 passing yards, 2 TDs; 2 rushing TDs
Zachariah Branch: 4 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
Georgia Defense: Held Marshall under 200 total yards; allowed just 7 points
Marshall: Limited to one score and few sustained drives
“This was a complete team win,” said Kirby Smart postgame. “We executed well, protected the football, and the defense set the tone. We’ve still got work to do, but this is how you want to start a season.”
Looking Ahead
Georgia (1–0) opens their campaign with a convincing win and now sets its sights on a Week 2 clash with SEC foe South Carolina.
Marshall (0–1) returns home to regroup before facing James Madison next weekend.
For Georgia, this was more than just a win. It was a message: The Bulldogs are deep, disciplined, and ready to contend—again.
