ATLANTA — Without starting quarterback Carson Beck in the second half, No. 5 Georgia rallied behind backup Gunner Stockton to beat No. 2 Texas, 22-19, to win the first SEC Championship Game to go to overtime.
Beck came in on the last play of the game after Stockton’s helmet was knocked off in a brutal hit. Beck, barely able to lift the right arm he injured right before halftime, handed the ball off to Trevor Etienne for the four-yard game winner.
With the win, Georgia (11-2) should get a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, while Texas (11-2) will play a first-round game; whether the ‘Horns host or take to the road remains to be seen. Georgia is now 2-0 this season against the Longhorns after winning 30-15 in Austin back in October.
In relief duty for Beck, Stockton went 12 for 16 for 71 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Etienne, back in a starting role after missing Georgia’s previous three games, led the way with 94 yards and two touchdowns as Georgia’s run game finally got going in the second half.
Quinn Ewers had 358 yards passing and a touchdown but also threw two interceptions. His second of the night was especially costly with Texas trying to rally with a little more than three minutes remaining in the game and immediately put Georgia back in field goal position.
CBS Sports was here with you throughout the evening. Be sure to read on below for takeaways from Georgia’s win over Texas.