Gunner Stockton, a little-known backup who had simply performed for Georgia, got here off the bench following an damage to Carson Beck and led the Bulldogs No. 5 to an inconceivable 22-19 extra time victory over No. 5 Texas. 2 within the Southeastern Conference championship recreation Saturday.
The Bulldogs (11-2) received their third SEC title below coach Kirby Smart, however the trophy comes with a good larger prize: a first-round bye within the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Georgia entered play ranked fifth by the CFP, however is now assured to play within the Sugar Bowl quarterfinals on New Year’s Day seeking its third nationwide title in 4 seasons.
Texas (11-2, No. 2 CFP) was denied the SEC title in its first season within the league and might be compelled to host a first-round recreation on Dec. 20 or 21. the Bulldogs, who prevailed 30-15 when the powerhouse applications met in Austin in the course of the common season.
But the massive query for Georgia in the course of the celebration was the well being of Beck, the two-year starter who went down on the ultimate play of the primary half with an arm damage.
Stockton, a third-year sophomore, had performed simply six video games in his school profession, all easy collections of blowout victories. He led the Bulldogs to a landing and two subject targets earlier than taking a tough hit throughout an extra time rush that despatched his helmet flying.
Beck, who may barely carry his arm, returned to the sport for first-and-goal on the 4th.
All he needed to do – and will do – was hand it over to Trevor Etienne, who bumped into the tip zone to finish the primary extra time play within the 33-year historical past of the SEC championship.
Georgia went past regulation to win for the second straight week following an eight-overtime, 44-42 victory over Georgia Tech within the common season finale.
This was even sweeter, particularly after dropping the offensive chief.
Beck continued a wild final game of the primary half whereas I used to be attempting to tug one into the tip zone. Trey Moore knocked the ball away with a right-arm shot, setting off a wild run that ended with a pair of laterals and a Georgia lineman ending with the ball.
More regarding for Georgia, Beck remained on the turf clutching his throwing arm as teammates loomed over him. He finally slowly walked off the sector, however Smart mentioned his day was executed.
Not precisely.
After holding Texas to a subject aim on the opening possession of extra time, Stockton needed to go away the sport after a primary down resulted in a success that knocked his helmet off.
Etienne took the go from Beck and powered up the center. The ailing quarterback raised his left arm in celebration, along with his proper arm hanging at his facet.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 358 yards, however was sacked six occasions and threw a pair of interceptions.
Associated Press reporting.
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