If there was any doubt left about who will be starting at quarterback for No. 3 Georgia against No. 2 Michigan in the College Football Playoff, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart tried to put an end to it Wednesday.
“Stetson (Bennett) is our starting quarterback,” Smart said during a video conference with reporters.
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Smart added that whether backup JT Daniels plays Friday in the Orange Bowl will be determined by the game situation and Daniels’ health. Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken was asked about the quarterback situation Tuesday and said Bennett was the guy.
Daniels began the season as the starter but an injury opened the door for Bennett, who never relinquished the job.
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After Georgia lost to the Southeastern Conference title game to Alabama, with Bennett throwing two interceptions, speculation about a quarterback switch started.
But it has never been more than that. Smart has stressed that the quarterback decision is based on competition and what gives the team the best chance to win.
“It’s different than other positions when it comes to making that decision for your whole team, and certainly that guy is the face and the leader of the team and gets the most reps,” Smart said. “I’m confident in Stetson now and I’m confident in JT. I thought Coach Monken did a great job addressing that yesterday, and we’ve got confidence in all our quarterbacks.”
As for Daniels’ health, the junior transfer from Southern California did not travel with the team Miami, arriving a day later with receiver George Pickens.
Smart said the Bulldogs dealt with some COVID-19 issues, but gave no specifics.
“We had a little bout the last couple weeks that we lost some guys, and we’ve gotten most of those guys back, and really that’s the biggest thing is being at full strength when you have to be, and that’s what we’re aiming towards,” Smart said.
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