No. 5 Georgia Defeats No. 2 Texas in Thrilling 22-19 Overtime Victory to Claim 15th SEC Title

The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) captured their 15th Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship with a thrilling 22-19 overtime victory over the No. 2 Texas Longhorns (11-2) on Saturday. The win, played in dramatic fashion at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marked Georgia’s fourth consecutive appearance in the SEC Championship Game and improved their overall record in the event to 5-7.

Bulldogs Secure Another Championship

Junior defensive back Daylen Everette was named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an impressive performance that included two interceptions, making him just the second defensive player in Georgia history to earn SECCG MVP honors. Georgia joins the elite ranks of SEC champions under head coach Kirby Smart, who has now guided the team to three conference titles in his tenure.

“This victory demonstrates the heart and resilience of this team,” Smart said postgame. “It’s not about how you start but how you finish, and this team finished the job.”

Senior Class Cements Legacy

The win also added another milestone for Georgia’s 2024 senior class, which now holds an FBS-leading 53-4 record. It was the first time since 1943 that Georgia defeated the same opponent twice in a single season, having also beaten Texas earlier this year.

Offense Finds Its Rhythm in the Second Half

Georgia’s offense tallied 277 total yards on 67 plays, overcoming a sluggish first half. Senior quarterback Carson Beck left the game with an injury at halftime, paving the way for redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton to step in. Stockton delivered under pressure, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and guiding Georgia to multiple scoring drives.

Junior running back Trevor Etienne was the offensive standout, scoring two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime on a four-yard run. Etienne’s heroics followed a season-best 48-yard scamper that set up a crucial field goal in the third quarter.

Kicker Peyton Woodring also played a vital role, contributing three field goals and a PAT. His accuracy under pressure provided a steadying presence in a high-stakes game.

Historic Overtime Drama

This game marked the first overtime contest in SEC Championship history. Georgia won the toss and elected to start on defense, forcing Texas to settle for a field goal. The Bulldogs then sealed the victory with Etienne’s touchdown on a six-play, 25-yard drive.

Georgia improved to 10-7 in overtime games all-time, including 3-2 under Smart. It was also their second consecutive overtime game, following last week’s eight-overtime marathon victory over Georgia Tech.

Defense Shines in Key Moments

Georgia’s defense made pivotal plays throughout the game, highlighted by Everette’s two interceptions, his second coming late in the fourth quarter to halt a Texas drive. The Bulldogs’ pass rush was relentless, recording six sacks, including standout performances by Chaz Chambliss, Jalon Walker, Damon Wilson, and Mykel Williams.

In the first half, the Longhorns managed 260 yards of offense, but Georgia’s defense clamped down when it mattered most, limiting Texas to a field goal in overtime after a 4th-and-3 conversion late in regulation.

Special Teams Deliver Big Plays

Georgia’s special teams had a significant impact, with punter Brett Thorson averaging 53.5 yards on four punts before exiting with an injury. The Bulldogs also executed a successful fake punt, with Arian Smith converting a crucial 4th-and-5 play to sustain a drive.

Game Summary
• First Half: Georgia struggled early, managing just 54 yards of offense and trailing 6-3 at halftime. Beck was 7-for-13 for 56 yards before his injury.
• Second Half: Stockton stepped in and orchestrated a 75-yard touchdown drive on his first possession, capped by a 10-yard Etienne run.
• Fourth Quarter: Texas tied the game at 16-16 with 8 seconds left on a 37-yard field goal to force overtime.
• Overtime: Texas took a 19-16 lead on a field goal, but Georgia responded with a touchdown by Etienne to claim the win.

What’s Next?

The Bulldogs will advance to the Sugar Bowl on January 1, where they will look to add another trophy to their storied season.

With their improbable victory, Georgia continues to showcase why they are one of the premier programs in college football. The Bulldogs’ combination of resilience, talent, and coaching once again delivered a championship moment for the ages.