In an SEC classic that will be remembered for years on both sides of the border, No. 6 Georgia edged No. 15 Tennessee 44-41 in overtime Saturday at Neyland Stadium, with Gunner Stockton outdueling Joey Aguilar that matched the intensity of 101,000 fans.

   It extended the Dawgs’ school best winning streak against the Vols to nine straight. The Bulldogs are 10-0 in SEC openers in the Kirby Smart era.

   Georgia had to come from behind five times including an early 21-7 deficit. But, in overtime, Josh McCray dove across the goal line for the game-winning TD. UGA had 502 yards of offense.

   In his first road start, Stockton went 23 for 31 with 304 yards and 2 TDs.

   “This was about composure, toughness, and belief,” Smart said. “Gunnar grew up tonight. That was big-time football.”

   The heroics spoiled an emotional performance from Tennessee senior quarterback Joey Aguilar, who showcased why he entered the season on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list. The California native and App State transfer completed 24-of-36 passes for a season-high 371 yards and four touchdowns while repeatedly punishing the Georgia defense with clutch third-down conversions. 

    Tennessee had a chance to win it in regulation but, after a false start moved them back five yards saw a gut wrenching 43 yard Max Gilbert field goal sail wide right sending the game to OT.

   “I thought Joey [Aguilar] was phenomenal,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “He gave us a chance, drove us down the field when we needed it, and showed why he’s so respected in that locker room. It was two teams fighting at the highest level of this league. We were one play short.”

   The Bulldogs improved to 3-0 and strengthened their playoff case with a marquee SEC road victory, while Tennessee fell to 2-1 but left Neyland with confidence that Aguilar’s veteran steadiness could anchor a deep SEC run.

   Georgia gets a much needed bye week while they wait for a huge game on September 25th with Alabama at Sanford Stadium in Athens while Tennessee dials things down a notch with another home game against UAB.