Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs found redemption in dramatic fashion Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. When starting quarterback Carson Beck was sidelined with an injury, backup Gunner Stockton stepped in to lead Georgia to a 22–19 overtime victory over No. 2 Texas, clinching the SEC Championship and a coveted first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Backup Quarterback Gunner Stockton Shines in Overtime Victory
Stockton, a redshirt sophomore from Tiger, Georgia, seized the moment after Georgia’s offense struggled in the first half. Trailing 9–3 at the break, Stockton (12-of-16 for 71 yards) energized the Bulldogs’ offense, guiding a 75-yard touchdown drive to take the lead early in the third quarter. With support from a relentless defense, which racked up six sacks and 15 tackles for loss, Georgia’s resilience became the night’s defining storyline.
The victory marked Georgia’s second SEC title in three years and 15th overall, but it wasn’t without challenges. The Bulldogs trailed at halftime for the sixth time this season and endured a grueling schedule, yet their mental toughness shone through. “I’ve had physically tougher teams, but I’ve never had a more mentally tough team,” Smart said.
Texas, meanwhile, struggled with penalties and missed opportunities. Kicker Bert Auburn missed two field goals, and quarterback Quinn Ewers threw two costly interceptions. Despite a late rally that forced overtime, Georgia’s disciplined play and a clutch 16-play drive sealed the game.
Gunner Stockton’s composure under pressure and Smart’s bold fourth-quarter fake punt decision highlighted a night where Georgia flipped the script on its history of heartbreak in big games. With this win, the Bulldogs head into the CFP as a formidable contender, while Texas, despite the loss, remains in contention for a national title.
Georgia’s triumph, driven by teamwork and grit, ensures they remain a force in college football’s new 12-team playoff era. As Gunner Stockton proved Saturday, sometimes a backup quarterback can rewrite the season’s narrative.