Atlanta Following Carson Beck’s injury, Gunner Stockton, a little-known backup who had hardly played for Georgia, came off the bench to help the No. 5 Bulldogs defeat No. 2 Texas in an unlikely 22-19 overtime victory in Saturday’s SEC championship game.
Under coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs (11-2) earned their third SEC championship, but the trophy also comes with a first-round bye in the new 12-team College Football Playoff, which is an even greater prize. In an attempt to win its third national championship in four seasons, Georgia, who entered the game ranked fifth by the CFP, is now guaranteed to play in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Day.
Texas (11-2) will host a first-round match on December 20 or 21 after being denied an SEC title capper in its inaugural season in the league. When the two dominant programs faced up in Austin during the regular season, the Bulldogs won 30–15, and it has lost both games.
The health of Beck, the two-year starter who was hurt on the last play of the first half, was Georgia’s biggest concern amidst the festivities.
As a third-year sophomore, Stockton had only participated in six games throughout his time in college, all of which were lop-up victories. Before taking a brutal hit on a run in overtime that sent his helmet flying, he led the Bulldogs to a touchdown and two field goals.
At the four, Beck returned to the game for first and goal despite barely being able to raise his arm. To conclude the first overtime game in the 33-year history of the SEC title, he only needed to pass the ball to Trevor Etienne, who blasted into the end zone.
Following an eight-overtime, 44-42 triumph over Georgia Tech in the regular-season finale, Georgia went above and beyond regulation to win for the second consecutive week.
Particularly after losing their offensive leader, this one was even more delightful.
During a crazy play in the first half, Beck attempted to throw one into the end zone but was taken down. A chaotic scramble ensued, culminating in a pair of laterals with a Georgia lineman finishing up with the ball after Trey Moore swatted it away with a strike to his right arm.
The fact that Beck held his throwing arm while teammates hovered over him on the turf was more worrisome for Georgia. At last, he walked off the field at a leisurely jog, but Smart declared that his day was over.
Not exactly.
Stockton had to leave the game when a first-down run ended with a hit that took off his helmet, after he had held Texas to a field goal on the first drive of OT.
Etienne powered up the center after taking Beck’s handoff. With his right arm dangling by his side, the injured quarterback celebrated by throwing up his left arm.
Despite throwing for 358 yards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was sacked six times and had two interceptions.
— AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry
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