The Georgia Bulldogs won their opening game in a showing that was not competitive against Tennessee State, defeating them 63-3 in a game which did not really present a whole lot of resistance.

Starting a season with these types of games has become increasingly controversial, but nonetheless the Dawgs essentially got a preseason scrimmage where they were able to get young players valuable reps to improve their depth for later on. With how quickly things got out of hand at 35-0 just moments into the second quarter, the starters came out as quickly as they ever have.

This meant it was only a brief look for the fans in Sanford Stadium at Gunner Stockton as he began his second full season as a starter, but that short showing was nothing short of incredible from an accuracy and efficiency standpoint.

Stockton did not even need to use his legs because of the efficiency of his arm, starting the game completing 15 of his 16 attempts for 202 yards -- an average of 12.6 yards per completion -- with three touchdown passes before Kirby Smart had said he had seen enough to pull him.

Going into the year, the question every fan was asking was whether or not Stockton would be able to take the next step and elevate his personal level of play. While it remains to be seen whether or not he can prove that against an opponent with a pulse, the Dawgs quarterback looked poised, comfortable and in control of this offense.

There was no rust, no getting on the same page with a new group of receivers, and no learning curve. The work this offense put in with Stockton this offseason showed right out of the gate.

Things are of course going to get a whole lot more difficult from here, but this could not have been a more encouraging start to the final season for Stockton in Athens. If he can take that next step, this Georgia team is absolutely capable of winning a national title.

It's still early, but for now, it looks like Stockton very well may have taken the leap. As opponents get more and more difficult for each of the next several games, he will continue to be under a close microscope, but right now, it does not look like there's anything Stockton can't handle.