By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-08 01:31:35 | Updated at 2024-12-23 19:28:15
2 weeks ago
The Georgia Bulldogs are SEC champions despite losing a quarterback at both the end of the first half and final overtime against second-ranked Texas on Saturday in Atlanta.
Backup Gunner Stockton’s helmet flew off in a frightening moment as he was slammed by the Longhorns' Andrew Mukuba on the penultimate play of the game. The eight-yard gain gave the Bulldogs a crucial first down, but even though Stockton was able to walk away from the violent collision, head coach Kirby Smart cautiously removed him from the game.
After a targeting flag was overturned, injured starter Carson Beck came back on the field for the last play to hand off to star running back Trevor Etienne for a four-yard touchdown and a 22-19 victory. Beck had been ruled out of the game earlier after suffering an injury to his throwing arm at the end of the first half, but was well enough to give the ball to Etienne for the Bulldogs' second SEC crown of the last three years.
Hours earlier, Beck was sacked on that by outside linebacker Trey Moore, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Anthony Hill Jr., who then lost the ball on an errant attempt to extend the play with a lateral as time expired.
Smart was initially optimistic about Beck, telling ESPN before the half he 'should' be able to return. However, Beck was ruled out early in the third quarter, only to re-emerge when Stockton was pulled in overtime.
Stockton, who was in the game in place of Beck, was hit by two Longhorns on the play
Backup Gunner Stockton’s helmet flew off as he was taken down by a pair of Texas Longhorns defenders on the penultimate play of the game
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) lies on the turf injured against Texas during the first half
Trey Moore #8 of the Texas Longhorns tackles Carson Beck #15 on the first half's final play
Carson Beck started and finished the SEC Championship despite getting hurt in the first half
Gunner Stockton was removed from the game after a brutal hit on the penultimate play
The Bulldogs (11-2) won their third SEC title under Smart, but the trophy comes with an even bigger prize - a first-round bye in the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Georgia came into the game ranked fifth by the CFP, but now it is assured of playing in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year´s Day in pursuit of its third national title in four seasons.
Texas (11-2, No. 2 CFP ) was denied an SEC title capper on its first season in the league and will be forced to host a first-round game on either Dec. 20 or 21. Both of its losses have been to the Bulldogs, who prevailed 30-15 when the powerhouse programs met in Austin during the regular season.
But the big question for Georgia amid the celebration was the health of Beck, the two-year starter who went down on the final play of the first half with an injured throwing arm.
Stockton, a third-year sophomore, had played only six games in his college career - all of them mere mop-ups of blowout wins. He guided the Bulldogs to a touchdown and two field goals before taking a hard hit on a run in overtime that sent his helmet flying.
Beck, who could barely lift his arm, came back in the game for first-and-goal at the 4. All he had to do - and could do - was hand off to Trevor Etienne, who powered into the end zone to end the first overtime game in the SEC championship's 33-year history.
