Jacob Eason

Georgia football: This is Jacob Eason's team now

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Georgia football season began with Greyson Lambert as starting quarterback against UNC. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, it was clear that freshman Jacob Eason was taking over.

If you were watching the game on television, or following on Twitter or listening on radio, you have to know that many Georgia fans were not comfortable with Greyson Lambert starting to open the 2016 season against North Carolina.

By the time Georgia’s first two series were over, those uncomfortable fans turned to downright dead-set against Lambert leading the Dawgs.

The reasons Kirby Smart probably picked Lambert make sense on paper. He’s an experienced quarterback and has faced North Carolina before. He’s not prone to interceptions or mental errors, and he has the respect of teammates.

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But as has been said so often, this game isn’t played on paper, and when Jacob Eason entered the game in the 2nd quarter, it didn’t take long for the Georgia Dome to erupt. Eason – the nation’s number one rated high school quarterback by several recruiting services – has that something…that swagger reminiscent of a young Matthew Stafford when he stepped on the field in 2006.

Not only were fans excited, but you could see a hitch in the step of teammates. They knew this kid could do things no Georgia quarterback had been able to since Aaron Murray moved on.

Lambert didn’t play badly (5 of 8 for 54 yards), he seldom does. But he’s grey paint with a flat finish. He’s egg whites with no salt cooked in sunflower oil.

Eason is a fully loaded breakfast burrito with jalapenos and ghost pepper salsa. He’s got more color than a NASCAR starting line. He’s quite honestly the man who is going to lead this Georgia team, and everyone who watched him spin the rock downfield knows that.

We may see more of the quarterback platooning for a couple of weeks, but bet your favorite spiked dog collar that when Tennessee comes calling to Athens on October 1, Jacob Eason – who finished this game going 8 of 12 for 131 yards and a touchdown – will be in firm control of the starting quarterback position.

Having Greyson Lambert on the team is a good thing. He’s a good teammate and a solidly mediocre quarterback who doesn’t try to play above his abilities. But this is Jacob Eason’s team now, and Lambert doesn’t have the bullets in his holster to change that.