No. 5 Georgia pulled off another overtime stunner, defeating No. 2 Texas 22-19 to claim the Southeastern Conference title on Saturday. Gunner Stockton, who had been a little-known backup, stepped into the spotlight after Carson Beck’s injury, showcasing his resilience and leadership in a high-pressure situation.
With this victory, the Bulldogs (11-2) secured their third SEC championship under coach Kirby Smart. However, the win carries an even more significant reward — a first-round bye in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Georgia, initially ranked fifth by the College Football Playoff committee, is now set to compete in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Day, aiming for their third national title in four seasons.
Texas (11-2, No. 2 CFP) faced disappointment in their inaugural SEC season, having to host a first-round playoff game on December 20 or 21. This loss marks the second time the Longhorns have fallen to the Bulldogs, who previously triumphed 30-15 in Austin during the regular season.
Amid the celebration, a pressing concern for Georgia was the status of Beck, their two-year starting quarterback, who sustained a throwing arm injury on the last play of the first half.
Despite struggling to lift his arm, Beck returned for a crucial first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. His only option was to hand off to Trevor Etienne, who bulldozed through the defense into the end zone, marking the end of the first overtime in SEC championship history.
This victory was particularly sweet for Georgia, following a thrilling eight-overtime battle against Georgia Tech just a week prior, where they won 44-42.
The dramatic finish came after Beck’s injury during a chaotic final play of the first half. A hit from Trey Moore caused the ball to slip from Beck’s grasp, resulting in a frantic scramble that ended with a Georgia lineman recovering the ball.
Concern grew as Beck lay on the field, gripping his throwing arm while teammates rushed to his side. He eventually left the field, but Coach Smart indicated that his day was over.
However, Beck wasn’t finished just yet.
After Georgia held Texas to a field goal in overtime, Stockton had to exit the game following a hard hit that knocked off his helmet during a first-down run.
Etienne took the handoff from Beck and surged through the middle, while the injured quarterback raised his left arm in celebration, his right arm hanging limply by his side.
Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for an impressive 358 yards, but he faced relentless pressure, resulting in six sacks and two interceptions.
