Bulldogs Win SEC Title In OT Thriller As Gunner Stockton Shines In Relief
Bulldogs Win SEC Title In OT Thriller As Gunner Stockton Shines In Relief
The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 50-44 in overtime to win the SEC Championship Game on Saturday night in Atlanta. Redshirt freshman quarterback Gunner Stockton came off the bench to throw for 206 yards and a touchdown in relief of starter Stetson Bennett, who was injured in the first half.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was all Tennessee, as the Volunteers built a 21-10 lead behind the play of quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns in the half, while running back Jabari Small added a rushing touchdown.
Georgia's offense, meanwhile, struggled to get going. Bennett was just 6-of-11 passing for 59 yards and an interception before he was injured. Stockton came on in relief and immediately gave the Bulldogs a spark. He led Georgia on a touchdown drive on his first possession, and he threw for 109 yards in the half.
The second half was a different story, as Georgia's defense came to life. The Bulldogs held Tennessee to just 10 points in the half, and they forced three turnovers. Georgia's offense also got going, as running back Kenny McIntosh rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Stockton's Star Turn
Stockton was the star of the game for Georgia. The redshirt freshman completed 14-of-21 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 28 yards.
Stockton's performance was even more impressive considering the circumstances. He was thrown into the game cold, and he had to face a Tennessee defense that was playing with a lot of confidence.
Stockton's performance is a testament to his talent and his preparation. He has been working hard all season, and he was ready when his number was called.
Georgia's Defense Comes Up Big
Georgia's defense played a huge role in the win. The Bulldogs held Tennessee to just 10 points in the second half, and they forced three turnovers.
Georgia's defense was led by linebacker Nolan Smith, who had two sacks and two tackles for loss. Defensive back Javon Bullard also had a big game, with an interception and a forced fumble.
Georgia's defense has been one of the best in the country all season, and they played their best game of the year in the SEC Championship Game.
Tennessee's Disappointment
The loss is a disappointment for Tennessee, who had a chance to win the SEC Championship Game for the first time since 1998.
Tennessee played a great game, but they were ultimately done in by Georgia's defense and Stockton's performance.
The Volunteers can still make the College Football Playoff, but they will need some help. They will need to win their final regular season game against Vanderbilt and hope that other teams ahead of them lose.
Conclusion
Georgia's win is a major victory for the Bulldogs and their fans. It is their first SEC Championship since 2017, and it puts them in a good position to make the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee's loss is a disappointment, but the Volunteers can still make the College Football Playoff if they win their final regular season game and get some help from other teams.
The SEC Championship Game was a great game, and it is a reminder of how competitive the SEC is.