Stetson Bennett: The most clutch QB of the Playoff era?
Did you know Stetson Bennett was a walk-on? Did you know Stetson Bennett beat out a 5-star QB for the starting job? Is he just a game manager? Is Stetson Bennett even good?
Those questions and narratives have been beaten like a dead horse by fans and the media for over 2 years. But here’s another question: after his 4th-quarter comeback in the Peach Bowl, is Stetson Bennett the most clutch QB of the College Football Playoff era?
That may sound crazy, but in the latest college football statistical deep dive, we found some numbers that shocked us.
He may be short, he may be a game manager, and he may indeed be selling insurance some day. However, what he’s doing right now, especially in the 4th quarter, is on par with some of the best SEC QBs we’ve seen in the last decade. And that’s saying something.
It might sound crazy, but the numbers tell the real story. Chris Marler of our own College Football Uncensored Podcast breaks it down here:
This is Bennet’s first season as the designated starter at the beginning of fall camp. That is huge regarding the amount of snaps, prep, game planning, one-on-one with the OC etc.
I think Bennett’s biggest shortcoming is his height. Arm strength wise Bennett’s arm is no weaker than Joe Montana’s, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray etc.
Love him, hate him or don’t care – Bennett’s stats, record, MVP awards and Championships don’t lie – he has had an elite career.
Yes, he has had an elite career and while he’s not the most talented Dawgs QB ever nor the winningest in terms of overall won-loss record, but if they win this game Monday night, Stetson will undoubtedly be the QB with the most significant and important wins in UGA history. Three wins so far in the playoffs in successive years is exceptional.
2022 Orange Bowl (CFP) MVP
2022 CFP NC Game MVP
2022 Manning Award Finalist
2022 Johnny Unitas Award Finalist
2022 Davey O’Brian Finalist
2022 Heisman Finialist
2022 SEC Championship MVP
2022 Peach Bowl (CFP) MVP
Burlsworth Trophy winner
Coaches ALL SEC Team
Muliple SEC Player of the Week Award winner
and who knows whatever other awards
2023 CFP NC Game ????
On a per game basis Bennett is UGA’s greatest QB (what Bennett has accomplished for the number of starts he has)
He’s like Burrow light, less of everything…but he could snag that 2nd NC
Joe Burrow…
2019 Heisman Memorial Trophy Winner
2019 AP National Player of the Year
2019 Maxwell Award Winner
2019 Walter Camp Award Winner
2019 Davey O’Brien Award Winner
2019 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner
2019 Manning Award Winner
2019 Unanimous First-Team All-American (AFCA, AP, Athletic, CBS, ESPN, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Walter Camp)
2019 SEC Offensive Player of the Year (AP, unanimous)
2019 All-SEC First Team (AP, unanimous; Coaches)
2019 CFP National Championship – Offensive Player of the Game
2019 CFP National Semifinal Game/Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Offensive Player of the Game
2019 SEC Championship Game MVP
I am less impressed with his awards because those are subject to someone else’s opinion. His play from the semi-finals in 2021 up until this day is what’s unmatched by any other Georgia QB and sets him apart. David Greene had a heck of a career as did Aaron Murray and they are two of the winningest QB’s is Georgia history but these last 16 games by Stetson is unparalleled.
“I think Bennett’s biggest shortcoming is his height.”
Drew Brees says what?
My thoughts exactly
Bennett has missed on plays, had balls batted down and maybe an INT or two because of his height but his results and college career are elite any standard
I don’t care what any of these idiot SDS posters claim. Bennett looks to me like a true NFL QB.
I hope he gets the opportunity to prove that. One way or the other.
That doesn’t mean his biggest shortcoming isn’t his height though. He has been great in spite of it.
“I hope he gets the opportunity to prove that. One way or the other.”
I would hope so as well.
Too much emphasis is put on the proto-typical QB size measurements. Just look at what all of those proto-typical QBs have done in the NFL and compare to the smaller ones.
There is nothing similar about the arm strength of Stetson & Kyler. You don’t receive a $5 million bonus from MLB to play centerfield with a mediocre arm.
Would this story have been written if the OSU kicker didn’t choke?
Of course it wouldn’t have been written. But you can’t just blame the kicker. Day made went to conservative play calling, the OSU offense lost yardage on the last 2 or 3 plays before the kick and the Dawgs D made some critical stops to make it a 50 yarder. Dawgs kicker missed 2 field goals earlier in the game or the OSU kicker wouldn’t even have been on the field at that point. You win as a team and lose as a team. And Stetson had a fantastic 4th quarter.
He may be short, he may be a game manager, and he may indeed be selling insurance some day.
Or he may be writing articles about college kids on Saturday Down South.
With a game to go, Bennett has as many playoff victories (as a starter) as Justin Fields, Tua Tagovioloa, and Bryce Young…. COMBINED.
Yes, he was given the keys to a Ferrari… and he drives it like Michael Schumacher.
Well stated!!!
I’d say Bennett is more Aryton Senna – driving the wheels off whatever he is in; to the point of either winning or die trying
Regardless of what happens Monday night, it has been a fun ride with Bennett “slinging it.” I’ll admit I was skeptical all last year and even growled a bunch when he said he was coming back in ’22, but the kid has delivered.
If he delivers in Cali, well then it’s legend status.
I do think it will be another shoot out. Heck if UM can put up 45 on TCU, we should be able to at least do that! The Dawgs offense is much more versatile and has better playmakers across the board than the Blue Man Group.
Stetson is a good QB and when that’s not quite enough, out comes Stequavious to light it up in the 4th quarter.
Clutch is a great description for Stetson Bennett.
Stequavious for president. lol
If UGA wins Monday night, then Bennett is the GOAT QB at UGA. Period.
Like with Tebow at UF, if SB wins Monday, the appreciation by the UGA fanbase for what he accomplished will grow more over time. He won’t have to buy an adult beverage anywhere in the Peach State for the rest of his life.
In my opinion, Bennett is already the greatest UGA quarterback ever, regardless of the outcome Monday.
But a win sure wouldn’t hurt.
Too bad Tebow does not enjoy adult beverages!
Spot on gatorphil, and although not at all a gator fan, I am a Tebow fan. Just wished he’d took the TE route in the league.
GarorPhil. I think Tebow is a good comparison to Bennett.
Neither had NFL Pro-Bowl in their future, but both did it on an elite level in college.
Bennett is more accurate with the ball than Tebow. Tebow was a better runner.
For a laugh I researched college stats, career completion percentage:
Tebow: 66.4
SBIV: 64.8
Stunned me as well, perception is everything I suppose.
SB is a decent qb but nowhere even close to the most clutch of all time… Thats laughable. he was the benefactor of one of the greatest defenses of all time last season and is the benefactor of another good defense, a lot of NFL offensive players surrounding him and a very easy schedule. TN was probably the best team they played prior to the playoff and according to all the ga posters on here TN was a horrible team, so really ga hasnt played anybody until they got to the playoff. Pretty lucky for them.
Nowhere close? At least provide examples.
You’re right, Tennessee blows.
I LOL’ed! Always love a nice vile slam
The “he’s surrounded by so much talent” is one of the weakest arguments used. Name a single great QB or RB or WR who was the only good player on their team. Every single Heisman winner, at least over the last couple of decades, was on a team with NFL caliber players. But only Stetson accomplishments are dismissed because of that. I mean, it’s fine if you want to hate him because he whipped your team. Just be honest about your reasons.
Joe Burrow had Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Thaddeus Moss.
You never hear anyone say Burrow was overrated because he was surrounded by talent. Never.
Still salty fuzzy and starting to sound like gwhite a bit. You are normally more rational than that.
I don’t think anyone on here says TN was garbage, just not as good as OSU in comparison. You have to admit the Dawgs dominated your vols and shut down Hooker and Hyatt. We couldn’t close out Harrison and Stroud and OSUs defense was much more physical than TN.
So, if the Dawgs do win Monday and Bennett shows out again, who would be more clutch in recent history?
not salty at all. if you havent read all the sh it thrown out by uga fans (and I use that word loosely) on nearly every TN article then you have no clue. go look at any article. ga took over the top spot for trolls a couple years ago. When ga beat tn i posted the best team won and that we were soundly defeated. what else could anyone with half a brain say except a troll. You can judge all the tn posters by what G says if you want. but ga has more arrogant trolls than any other team on sds. makes it easy to pull for anyone who plays ga.
Do you believe that SB is the most clutch QB to ever play the game? really? Saying he isnt even close is not a troll its my opinion and I expect tyhe opinion of a lot of people not wearing black and red or silver and red. I said hes good. I have also posted, more than once, he deserves a lot of credit for what hes accomplished. hes just not the best ever.
So many ga posters will argue with anyhting said that isnt ga is the greatest of all time and kirby is the greatest of all time and now SB is the greatest of all time. I bet they think the long snapper is the greatest of all time.
No fuzzy. Just trying to have a debate. But you offer nothing to debate. Just “he’s not most clutch” period. Who ya got in your top five??
You’re making up your own argument. The article says most clutch in the playoff era, not all time.
strancharm – most ga posters dont debate. they just insult. I should do some research first but off the top of my head, heres my list:
Bryce Young – Surrounded by similar talent as ga and Sb but not on D and played lights out every game he played. The magic man is well deserved.
joe burrow – also surrounded by a lot of talent but he was the difference in winning or losing most of the time.
matt corral – without corral ole miss was a 6 win team maybe.
hendon hooker – surrouned by….. you fill in the blank. they dont get much more clutch than hook even with the ga and sc games. what he did vs bama with a few seconds left was the best ive seen.
stetson – just for you – he also made some game winning plays, especially in the CG last year. But he also was quite average in a number of games. hes good, not great and he had that historic defense lasts season. you guys can say that doesnt matter all you want but my grandmother could have been your qb last season and you still would have won and shes been dead for a while now.
Now I cant wait for your slam on all but SB, especially HH.
I won’t slam on Bryce. Evidence show he wasn’t working with much. Hooker if disagree with. Throwing 50-50 balls up to three out of this world wide receivers ain’t clutch. Still absolutely a beast at quarterback though. Same with burrow and he had a good defense. Not great but still good. No on corral.
So out of all those you named good list. Only two have a championship that they willed into existence. Only one could have two come Monday. Clutch. Maybe not most, but too give worthy.
***top five worthy
@fuzzy I agree with most of your points here. There are a lot of trolls in our camp, many will show up here. As I’ve said many times on SDS, I think the East is better when the traditional powers (GA, FLA, TN) are at their best. We got a bit of a taste of that the last couple yrs until the gators fell on their face.
To be honest, I’ve been a doubter of Stet in the past but I can’t argue the guy is clutch. Does he make mistakes, YES. But my question was simple, “who in recent history has been more clutch?”
Who’s more clutch in Georgia history?
No one.
well fuzzy the article says most clutch of the CFP era! If it isn’t SB3 than who would it be?
Fuzzy Math Vol, I know your team hasn’t won anything in 25 years. Maybe a few meaningless “big” games but nothing really. It’s sad. Have another beer.
For someone who is too short (taller than Bryce Young) not enough arm strength or accuracy (according to pundits), he sure does WIN a lot of games. What else matters? He WINS! The Hall of Fames are filled with guys that were all the bad things Stetson is supposed to be. Give me a guy like Stetson with heart, determination and the guts to never give up any day over one of these so-called 5 stars and Heisman winners, who will be watching Monday night’s game from their couch.
Another point to consider when discussing where does Bennett rank among UGA greats
Bennett needs just 71 yards to break UGA’s single season passing yardage record, 3893 by Aaron Murray in 2012. With 177 yards in the NC game Bennett will become the only UGA QB to pass for 4000 yards in a season.
So the counter is Bennett will have had 15 games to accomplish his final single season total.
The counter to the counter is Bennett has thrown for 80% of his yards in the first 3 quarters of his games. Image Bennett’s totals if Kirby ran the score up and didn’t go into mercy mode every time he had a game in the bag. If Lincoln Riley were calling the plays for UGA in 2022 Bennett would be 4,500 yards or more, easy.
TDOW. Well said!
The college game is not the NFL. It is NCAA football. He is outstanding as a college QB. He is the leader of his team and they are undefeated and defending national champions. I hope he gets a shot at the next level, but even if not, he will always be a championship QB. p.s., he could sell insurance or investments, or new cars and he will be a success in life.
marine im so used to the ga fans saying everything georgia related is the greatest of all time I misspoke. But thats the only thing I would change in my posts. So change “of all time” to “in the CFP era”. Happy?
So you agree. Stetson most clutch cfp. Lol
StNcharm if that’s what you took from my post you need help.
Without a doubt.
Calling my step-son Bennett the “most clutch” in the fourth quarter of play-off era teams is a stretch.
Statistics don’t demonstrate “clutch.”
That Georgia wins with Stet does not make him “clutch.”
Stetson Bennett is an above average college football quarterback who plays within his means, although has to have his reins jerked when he gets to frisky.
Calling Bennett a clutch quarterback reminds me of calling the Federal Reserve’s actions heroic.
They tip a priceless vase off the table, they rush in to grab it before it crashes, and then they declare themselves heroes for saving the vase.
Stetson plays flat-footed for three quarters of a game and is declared heroic because he woke up before it was too late?
No.
Bennett is above average, not great.
*too frisky
I hope Stetson gets a chance to play in the NFL. He’s good enough to be a 3rd string QB on a team with a good OL
And your talented enough to go from fry cook to flippin’ burgers at Mickey D’s when the “cook” calls in sick.
One of my pet peeves with the media is that they feel compelled to publish (post, broadcast, whatever) a story prematurely.
Let’s see what Stets does on Monday night before recapping his career vs other players who are ‘done.’
Anyone arguing against Bennett for “being the most clutch QB of the playoff era” has not been paying attention.
Took his team to 14-1 in 2021 – MVP of the PO semifinal and MVP of the NCG – leading a come from behind victory with two TD’s in the 4th quarter.
Took his team to 15-0 in 2022. MVP of the PO semifinal win against OS – with a come from behind 190 YDS passing and two TD’s during the 4th quarter.
Anyone who’s not giving Bennett his due at this point is simply not wanting to see the truth.
A game manager is a QB who’s not capable of what Bennett did during the 4th quarter against Alabama in the 2021 NCG. That also applies to Bennett’s 190 YDS and two TD’s during the 4th quarter of the Peach Bowl semifinal against Ohio St.
I still have Burrow over Bennett but Bennett is clutch AF and deserved to be there for the Heisman over others.
Bill. Hard to argue against Burrow, he was like a machine. 15-0 NC.
I would just say, Bennett has done it for two years, while Burrow had one great year. Both belong in the conversation.
If he does what I think he will, Bennett will be the GOAT. Good luck.
Burrow also had NFL WR’s all over the field.
Valid.
Burrow was without a doubt the most phenomenal and talented QB in that 2019 season, no one can argue that.
Stet doesn’t have the skills Burrow did but he does have the “believe we can do it” attitude that sometimes trumps the 5* rating. IF, and that is emphasizing the IF, he can show out on Monday and the Dawgs prevail, he’d have to be considered the “biggest clutch QB” in recent history (CFP era if you want to call it that).
I think the biggest reason SBIV seems more clutch than Burrow is that Burrow was so great, he hardly ever had to be “clutch.” Outside of a 3rd & 17 pass to extend a lead against Texas late in the fourth, I don’t remember many clutch performances.
I know the Auburn and Bama games were close, but even in those games he was protecting a lead and not leading a comeback. After the Bama win the second weekend in November, the closest anyone came to LSU was a 17 point loss by Clemson in the championship game. Stetson had the Mizzou comeback this year but also had come from behind drives on the biggest stages in last year’s championship game and this season’s semifinal.
Burrow’s 2019 postseason saw LSU out score us, Oklahoma, and Clemson by 79 points. It’s hard to be considered clutch when you’re so good no one can come close to beating you in the postseason.
Agree. Burrow was very elite and often times in that season it was easy for him and LSU; they were that good as a team.
“Did you know Stetson Bennett was a walk-on? Did you know Stetson Bennett beat out a 5-star QB for the starting job? Is he just a game manager? Is Stetson Bennett even good? Those questions and narratives have been beaten like a dead horse by fans and the media for over 2 years.”
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Um, yes and the horse told me he was sick and tired of being beaten and that I shouldn’t read this article.
If “clutch” means ability to come back and squeak a win, … then OK. But don’t even suggest he’s better than Burrow. Burrow didn’t have to be “clutch”, because he put his foot on the gas pedal continuously and distanced the team from most competition.
Clutch QB? He’s got a team of studs packed around him. I’d like to see how clutch he’d be at a school with less talent!