No. 5 Georgia rallied to beat No. 2 Texas, 22-19, in overtime on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game in Atlanta. The Bulldogs won their third SEC title under Kirby Smart.
The Bulldogs got a gutsy performance from backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, who entered the game after starter Carson Beck was injured late in the first half. Beck, a two-year starter, left the game with an injured throwing arm on the final play of the half.
Stockton, a Rabun County High recruit and backup quarterback who had barely played this season for Georgia, led the Bulldogs to victory after Beck was hurt. The win clinched Georgia’s spot in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
The Bulldogs (11-2) will be playing for their third national title in four seasons. Texas (11-2) will host a first-round playoff game on December 20 or 21.
Texas finished its first season in the SEC without an SEC title. Both of Texas’ losses this season were to Georgia, including a 30-15 loss in Austin in the regular season.
