Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Bulldogs faced a daunting challenge against the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Championship game. Struggling offensively and with their quarterback injured, the Bulldogs turned to an unexpected hero. Backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, a largely untested third-year sophomore, stepped up in the second half to lead No. 5 Georgia to a dramatic 22-19 overtime victory over No. 2 Texas on Saturday.
With the win, Georgia (11-2) claimed its third SEC title under head coach Kirby Smart and secured a first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs, ranked fifth in the CFP standings entering the game, are now set to play in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Day, chasing their third national championship in four seasons.
“This team never quits,” said an ecstatic Smart as confetti rained down inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Texas Denied Historic SEC Title
In its first season as an SEC member, Texas (11-2) fell short of claiming the conference crown. The Longhorns will still host a first-round playoff game on Dec. 20 or 21, but both of their losses this season have come at the hands of Georgia. The Bulldogs also defeated Texas 30-15 during the regular season in Austin.
“This one hurts,” admitted Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “But we’re in the College Football Playoff, and we’ve got a shot to compete for the national title. I believe we’re capable of winning it all.”
Beck Injured, Stockton Steps In
Georgia’s victory was overshadowed by concerns for starting quarterback Carson Beck, who injured his throwing arm on the final play of the first half. Beck, a two-year starter, was hit while attempting a desperation pass to the end zone. Although he walked off the field under his own power, head coach Kirby Smart confirmed Beck would undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury.
Stockton, who had played sparingly in six career games, entered the spotlight with poise. He engineered a touchdown drive and two field-goal drives, showing resilience even after taking a hard hit in overtime that knocked off his helmet.
“This kid is a fighter,” said Smart. “He’s got something special.”
Overtime Heroics
In overtime, Texas settled for a field goal on its first possession. On Georgia’s ensuing drive, Stockton left the game after his helmet was dislodged during a run, requiring him to sit out at least one play. With the game on the line, Beck returned for a single play despite his injury. All he needed to do was hand the ball to running back Trevor Etienne, who powered into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
“When we saw Carson come back in, it gave us a boost,” said offensive lineman Tate Rutledge. “We knew we’d finish it.”
Etienne’s touchdown marked the first overtime victory in SEC Championship Game history. For Georgia, it was the second consecutive overtime win after a grueling 44-42 triumph over Georgia Tech in an eight-overtime thriller the previous week.
Resilient Defense and Special Teams
Georgia’s defense played a pivotal role, sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers six times and intercepting him twice. Cornerback Daylen Everette, who picked off both passes, earned MVP honors for his game-changing performance.
Despite amassing 358 passing yards, Ewers and the Texas offense were plagued by penalties, including a costly false start that nullified a field goal. The Longhorns managed just a 6-3 lead at halftime despite outgaining Georgia 260-54 in total yardage during the opening half.
Special teams also delivered for Georgia at a critical moment. In the fourth quarter, with regular punter Brett Thorson sidelined by injury, Georgia executed a gutsy fake punt on fourth-and-5 from their own 30-yard line. Drew Bobo, the son of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, took the snap and flipped the ball to Arian Smith, who gained nine yards on a perfectly timed play.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs now turn their focus to the College Football Playoff, where they’ll aim to extend their dominance in the sport. Texas, while disappointed, has a chance to regroup and make its own run at a national championship.
“We’re banged up, exhausted, and mentally drained,” said Smart. “But I’ve never been prouder of a team. They just don’t quit.”
