In a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in Southeastern Conference (SEC) history, the Georgia Bulldogs secured a 22–19 overtime victory over the Texas Longhorns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This marked the first SEC Championship Game to extend beyond regulation in its 33-year history, underscoring the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup.
The 2024 SEC Championship was notable not only for its dramatic conclusion but also for the context surrounding the teams. Texas, in its inaugural season in the SEC, made an impressive run to the championship game, signaling its readiness to compete at the highest level of college football. Georgia, under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, was seeking its third SEC title in the past four seasons.
The stakes were elevated by the implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Both teams entered the game with 11–1 records, and the winner was poised to secure a top seed and a first-round bye in the newly expanded 12-team CFP format.
The first half was characterized by strong defensive performances from both teams. Texas managed to take a 6–3 lead into halftime, largely due to the accurate kicking of Bert Auburn, who connected on field goals from 41 and 42 yards. Georgia’s offense struggled to find rhythm, and their challenges were compounded when starting quarterback Carson Beck suffered an elbow injury on the final play of the half. Beck’s injury was later diagnosed as a UCL injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the game and casting doubt on his availability for the CFP.
With Beck unavailable, redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton stepped in as Georgia’s quarterback. Despite limited playing time during the season, Stockton demonstrated poise and effectiveness. He led the Bulldogs on a scoring drive that culminated in a 10-yard touchdown run by Trevor Etienne, giving Georgia its first lead at 10–6. Etienne finished the game with 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earning praise for his performance under pressure.
Texas responded with a touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers to DeAndre Moore Jr., tying the game at 13–13. The teams traded field goals, and with the score knotted at 16–16, the game proceeded to overtime.
In the overtime period, Texas managed a field goal on its possession, taking a 19–16 lead. Georgia, needing a touchdown to win, methodically advanced the ball to the 4-yard line. Despite his earlier injury, Carson Beck returned to the field to hand off to Etienne, who powered into the end zone for the game-winning score.
Georgia’s victory secured its position as the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, earning a first-round bye and a spot in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinals. Texas, despite the loss, remained in the playoff picture and was slated to host a first-round game.
Head coach Kirby Smart lauded his team’s resilience, particularly the performance of backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. “This team never, ever says no,” Smart said amid the postgame celebrations. “Gunner stepped up when we needed him most.”
For Texas, the game was a bittersweet conclusion to an otherwise remarkable debut season in the SEC. Head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the progress made by his team. “We came up short today, but this group has laid a strong foundation for the future,” Sarkisian stated.
The outcome of the SEC Championship Game had significant ramifications for the College Football Playoff landscape. Georgia’s triumph not only added another conference title to its storied history but also demonstrated the depth and resilience of its roster. Texas, while falling just short, proved it could compete with the elite programs in college football, setting the stage for future success in the SEC.
As the playoff approaches, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Georgia aiming for another national championship and Texas seeking to capitalize on its momentum in the postseason.
