Georgia football reclaimed its throne as SEC champions with a thrilling 22-19 overtime victory over No. 2 Texas, cementing their status as kings of the SEC once again.
While this year’s team may not have seemed as dominant as in recent seasons, they accomplished something that has eluded Georgia in the past—winning the SEC Championship. The victory was powered by backup quarterback Gunner Stockton and a suffocating defensive effort.
Gunner Stockton Steps Up
Confidence in Georgia’s offense was shaken when starting QB Carson Beck went down with an injury on the final play of the first half. Backup Gunner Stockton took over and rose to the occasion, leading multiple critical drives, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Though Stockton made a costly late-game interception that could have extended Georgia’s lead, he didn’t let the mistake define him. He rallied in overtime to guide the Bulldogs to victory, capping a gritty and memorable performance.
Interestingly, Stockton had to sit out for one play in overtime after losing his helmet during a scramble. Carson Beck returned for a single play, handing off to Trevor Etienne, who powered into the end zone from four yards out to seal the win.
Bulldogs’ Defense Shines Bright
Georgia’s defense was the unsung hero of the game, repeatedly frustrating a high-powered Texas offense. Though the Longhorns moved the ball effectively in the first half, Georgia’s defense stood tall, forcing three field goal attempts—one of which was missed.
Key turnovers, including two interceptions by Daylen Everette, were instrumental. Everette’s late-fourth-quarter pick halted Texas’ momentum, while the defense held Texas to field goals on their final drive of regulation and in overtime, giving Georgia the opportunity to clinch the game.
A Complete Team Effort
While Gunner Stockton’s heroics will dominate the headlines, Georgia’s defense deserves equal credit for shutting down Texas for the second time this season. The Bulldogs combined resilience, talent, and grit to secure their first SEC title since 2017, proving they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
