No. 5 Georgia Stuns No. 2 Texas in Overtime, 22-19, to Win SEC Championship
ATLANTA — In an improbable turn of events, No. 5 Georgia overcame a host of obstacles, including an injury to their starting quarterback, to pull off a dramatic 22-19 overtime victory over No. 2 Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Bulldogs (11-2) claimed their third SEC title under head coach Kirby Smart, securing a coveted first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. With the win, Georgia also earned the No. 2 seed in the CFP, advancing to the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day as they pursue their third national championship in four seasons.
“This team never, ever says no,” Smart said, his voice filled with emotion amid the confetti showers. “We’re beat up, we’re tired, but this team is mentally tough. We just keep coming.”
The Quarterback Drama
The turning point came when starting quarterback Carson Beck went down with an upper extremity injury on the final play of the first half. Beck, who had struggled through much of the game, was unable to return, leaving Georgia’s hopes hanging on the shoulders of backup Gunner Stockton, a third-year sophomore who had barely played in his college career.
Stockton, who had only seen action in mop-up duty during blowouts, stepped onto the field with a steady calm and led the Bulldogs to a touchdown and two field goals in the second half. His performance was capped by a gutsy run in overtime, which saw his helmet knocked off after a hard hit.
Smart praised Stockton’s resilience, saying, “This kid is a winner. He’s special.”
The Drama of Overtime
The game went into overtime tied at 16-16 after Texas kicker Bert Auburn nailed a 27-yard field goal with 18 seconds left in regulation. Texas (11-2) had a chance to close it out late in the fourth quarter, but Georgia’s defense, led by Daylen Everette, who was named the game’s MVP after two crucial interceptions, held strong.
In overtime, Stockton’s run set the stage for Beck to return for a single play. With his throwing arm clearly in pain, Beck handed off to Trevor Etienne, who powered in for a 4-yard touchdown that secured Georgia’s victory. Beck, his right arm dangling by his side, raised his left arm in celebration as the Bulldogs clinched the SEC crown.
Texas' Missed Opportunities
Texas had a chance to win, but penalties and missed opportunities marred their performance. The Longhorns were whistled for 11 penalties totaling 94 yards, including a false start that wiped out a field goal earlier in the game. Despite having a 260-54 edge in total yards in the first half, they led only 6-3 at the break.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 358 yards, but he was sacked six times and threw two interceptions, both of which were converted into scoring opportunities for Georgia. Ewers did manage to connect for a touchdown, but it was clear that the Longhorns’ offense was consistently hampered by Georgia’s defensive pressure.
“Penalties and missed opportunities hurt us,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “But we’re still in a good position. We’re going to regroup and compete for a national championship.”
Key Plays and Key Moments
The Fake Punt: Perhaps the boldest play of the night came when Georgia, with punter Brett Thorson sidelined by injury, dialed up a gutsy fake punt. On fourth-and-5 from their own 30, the Bulldogs snapped the ball to protector Drew Bobo, who flipped it to Arian Smith for a 9-yard gain. The conversion kept Georgia’s drive alive and set up a go-ahead field goal to make it 16-13 in the fourth quarter.
The Defensive Stand: Daylen Everette’s two interceptions were pivotal in giving Georgia the momentum it needed to stay in the game. He was all over the field, particularly in the second half, when Texas was looking to break open a close game.
Stockton’s Gutsy Play: After leading Georgia down the field to tie the game, Stockton was knocked out of the game for one play after taking a big hit in overtime. When Beck returned for one play, it was all the Bulldogs needed for the victory.
Takeaways
Texas: Despite an impressive performance from Quinn Ewers (358 yards, 1 TD), Texas couldn’t overcome the penalties and the relentless pressure from Georgia’s defense. The Longhorns' inability to establish a run game—finishing with just 31 yards on 28 carries—was also a factor in the loss. While the sting of losing in their first SEC title game will be tough to swallow, Texas still has a chance at the national title, with a home game in the first round of the CFP.
Georgia: The Bulldogs showed remarkable resilience after losing their starting quarterback. Gunner Stockton’s poise in the second half, coupled with clutch plays from the defense and special teams, highlighted Georgia’s championship pedigree. With Beck’s injury uncertain, the Bulldogs will be hoping for a quick recovery as they prepare for the College Football Playoff.
Up Next
Texas: The Longhorns will host a first-round game in the College Football Playoff, with a chance to still make a run for the national championship despite their loss.
Georgia: After earning a first-round bye, Georgia will have a few weeks to recover before their Sugar Bowl quarterfinal matchup in the College Football Playoff.
Final Score:
No. 5 Georgia 22, No. 2 Texas 19 (OT)
Key Performers:
Georgia: Gunner Stockton (12-of-16, 71 yards, 1 INT), Trevor Etienne (12-yard TD in OT), Daylen Everette (2 interceptions, MVP)
Texas: Quinn Ewers (358 yards, 1 TD), Kaytron Allen (31 rushing yards), Bert Auburn (2 field goals)
Next Games:
Texas in the College Football Playoffs
Georgia in the College Football Playoffs
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
