The Georgia Bulldogs are SEC champions despite losing a quarterback at both the end of the first half and the final overtime against second-ranked Texas on Saturday in Atlanta.
Backup shooter Stockton’s helmet flew off when he was taken down by a pair of Texas Longhorns defenders on the penultimate play of the game. The eight-yard gain handed the Bulldogs a crucial first loss, but although Stockton was able to walk away from the terrifying collision, head coach Kirby Smart gently removed him from the game.
After a targeting flag fell, injured starter Carson Beck returned to the field for the final play, handing the lead to running back Trevor Etienne for a four-yard touchdown and a 22–19 victory. Beck had previously been ruled out of the game after suffering an injury to his throwing arm late in the first half.
Beck was then sacked by outside linebacker Trey Moore, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Anthony Hill Jr., who then lost the ball on an errant attempt to extend the play with a lateral as time expired.
Smart was initially optimistic about Beck, telling ESPN before the half that he “should” be able to return. However, Beck was ruled out early in the third quarter but re-emerged as Stockton went down in overtime.
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Stockton, who was in the game in place of Beck, was hit by two Longhorns during the play
Backup shooter Stockton’s helmet flew off when he was taken down by a pair of Texas Longhorns defenders on the penultimate play of the game
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) is injured on the turf during the first half against Texas
Texas Longhorns’ Trey Moore #8 tackles Carson Beck #15 on the final play of the first half
#15 Carson Beck of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up ahead of the 2024 SEC Championship game