In a thrilling SEC Championship Game, the Georgia Bulldogs edged the Texas Longhorns 22-19 in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The victory marked Georgia’s third SEC title under head coach Kirby Smart and secured a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

   There were probably a dozen times or more when I thought Georgia’s chances to win were slim to none. But, somehow, they kept persevering.

   Texas dominated the first quarter and would have had more if not for a key Daylen Everette interception. The big plays were killing the Dawgs with 104 total yards off just three big third down conversions with deep pass completions.
   First quarter stats – Texas 170 yards to UGA’s 9. Time of possession – Texas 10:30 to UGA’s 4:30.

   Texas totally dominated the first half statistically. Somehow, UGA only trailed by 3 points with Texas accumulating 260 yards of offense, 228 of it in the air to Georgia’s 54. UGA had -2 yards rushing.
   The problem was the Longhorns kept the Dawgs offense off the field holding the ball for 20:02 to 9:58. But, in that 20 minutes of possession, they only could muster 6 points. The UGA defense had done a great job of keeping them out of the end zone time and time again.
   The question at this point was would Carson Beck be running the Bulldog offense or Gunnar Stockton after Beck suffered an arm injury on the last play of the half?

   It was the first time in the 33 year history of the game that neither team scored a touchdown in the first half.

   But, all season, Georgia had been a slow starting team somehow finding ways to flip the switch in the second half of multiple games including a 17 point deficit against Georgia Tech.

   Backup quarterback Stockton, who had seen limited action all season, stepped in and delivered a heroic performance. On his first drive of the second half, Stockton led Georgia to a touchdown, giving them their first lead of the game at 10-6.

   Adding to the adversity was star punter Brett Thorson going out with a leg injury. Two missed field goals by the Longhorns’ kicker Bert Auburn would prove to be critical, while UGA kicker Peyton Woodring was a perfect 3 for 3.

  The game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading tough defensive performances. The game was tied at 13.

   Everette picked Quinn Ewers off for a second time with three minutes left in the game giving UGA what appeared to be great chance to win with the ball at their 28. But, a few plays later, Stockton was picked off himself ending the drive and giving Texas the chance to tie it again at 16 with just 18 second left in regulation, forcing the first overtime in SEC Championship history.

  In overtime, the Georgia defense stiffened again holding the Longhorns to a field goal.
After Stockton had his helmet knocked off from a vicious hit after scrambling for a first and goal at the four, Beck returned to the field and handed off to running back Trevor Etienne, who scored the game-winning touchdown on a 4-yard run.

    After being dominated in the first half, the Dawgs had reversed the stats outscoring Texas 19-13 and outgaining them 223 to 129. They also flipped the TOP keeping the ball 22:10 to Texas’ 7:50.
Just like the first meeting when Georgia had seven sacks, this time they had six. Also like the first time, the only allowed 31 yards rushing in 28 attempts.

   After the game, Kirby Smart expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “This team never, ever says no,” he said amid the celebration. Smart also made headlines during his postgame interview when he took a jab at SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey over Georgia’s challenging schedule. “It means rest for a team that Greg Sankey and his staff sent on the road all! … year! … long!” Smart exclaimed, drawing cheers from Georgia fans as Sankey stood nearby.

The win not only secured Georgia’s 15th SEC title but also solidified their place in the College Football Playoff.

  The Bulldogs will get a much deserved and needed three weeks off to heal up and assess their QB situation as they prepare for their quarterfinal matchup in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

  They’ll be aiming for their third national championship in four seasons as they face the winner of the Indiana/Notre Dame game.