The Georgia Bulldogs secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Texas Longhorns in the SEC championship game, thanks in large part to the heroic efforts of their reserve quarterback. The game, which was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, was a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams trading blows and neither able to gain a decisive advantage.
Texas, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, came out strong in the first quarter, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and taking an early 7-0 lead. Georgia responded with a field goal, but the Longhorns continued to push the pace, adding another touchdown in the second quarter to take a 14-3 lead.
However, the Bulldogs refused to back down, and their starting quarterback, Stetson Bennett, led a drive that resulted in a touchdown just before halftime, cutting the deficit to 14-10. The two teams went into the locker room with Texas still holding a slim lead.
The second half saw more of the same, with both teams trading scores and neither able to gain a clear advantage. Texas extended their lead to 24-17 in the fourth quarter, but Georgia’s Bennett led another drive that resulted in a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 24-20 with just over five minutes remaining.
Tragedy struck for the Bulldogs when Bennett went down with an injury on the ensuing drive, forcing reserve quarterback Carson Beck into the game. Beck, a sophomore, had seen limited action this season, but he proved to be more than up to the task.
With the game on the line, Beck led a drive that resulted in a game-tying field goal, sending the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Beck engineered a drive that resulted in a touchdown, giving Georgia a 27-24 lead.
Texas had one final chance, but their drive stalled, and Georgia emerged victorious. The win marked the Bulldogs’ second SEC championship in as many years and capped off an incredible comeback.
“I’m so proud of our team,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “We faced adversity and we responded. Carson Beck came in and played like a veteran, and our defense made the plays we needed to win.”
Beck, who finished the game 12-17 for 122 yards and a touchdown, was mobbed by his teammates after the game. “It’s an incredible feeling,” he said. “I’m just glad I could help my team win. We never gave up, and it paid off in the end.”
The loss was a tough one for Texas, which had been seeking its first SEC championship since joining the conference in 2024. “We came up just short,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “I’m proud of our team’s effort, but we just didn’t make enough plays to win.”
The win marked Georgia’s 14th SEC championship in school history and sets the stage for a potential College Football Playoff berth. The Bulldogs will now await their bowl assignment, while Texas will look to regroup and prepare for its own postseason matchup.
