The Georgia Bulldogs are your 2024 SEC champions! What makes their 22-19 overtime victory over the Texas Longhorns that much more impressive is the fact starting QB Carson Beck didn’t play nearly the entire second half — backup Gunner Stockton did.
Gunner Stockton Helps Lead Georgia to SEC Championship Win Over Texas
On the final play of the first half, Georgia attempted a Hail Mary pass down 6-3 — it went as bad as it could’ve.
Not only did Beck fumble while attempting to launch the ball downfield, but his throwing arm was bent back awkwardly with immense force.
Carson Beck took a big shot there pic.twitter.com/23lj7W4qKF
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) December 7, 2024
While Beck was able to land on the ball, he remained down on the field for some time and was clearly in pain. Coming out of halftime, all eyes were on who would play under center for the Bulldogs. The answer: third-year sophomore Gunner Stockton.
The Georgia native out of Rabun County High School — where he set state records in career passing touchdowns, passing yards, and rushing TDs — stepped in and led the Dawgs on a 10-play, 75-yard TD drive fresh out of the locker room.
Two more field goals later, Georgia geared up for the SEC title game’s first-ever overtime against the No. 2 team in the country. The defense held Quinn Ewers and Co. to a field goal, giving the offense a chance to win the game — no pressure.
Stockton went 3 of 3 for 11 yards and ran for another eight. However, those eight yards cost him, as Texas safety Andrew Mukuba delivered a massive blow to his chest/neck area, rocking Stockton’s helmet off.
Yet, it was enough to set up Trevor Etienne’s four-yard, game-winning rushing score, a play Beck had to execute while barely able to lift his right arm.
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Beck finished the game 7 of 13 for 56 yards, while Stockton went 12 of 16 for 71 yards and an interception.
When asked what he said to Stockton during halftime, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said, “I didn’t say one word to him. [Offensive coordinator Mike] Bobo did, and all the coaches did. He believes. This kid is a winner, man; this kid is special. He’s a winner.”
With Beck likely off to the NFL after this season, the Bulldogs will need to hand the reigns to someone else. If the SEC Championship Game was any indication, that someone could be — and possibly should be — Stockton.
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