ATLANTA — In a surprising turn of events, Gunner Stockton, a relatively unknown backup for Georgia, stepped into the spotlight when Carson Beck was injured. Stockton’s performance led the No. 5 Bulldogs to a thrilling 22-19 overtime victory over No. 2 Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game held on Saturday.

With this win, Georgia (11-2) secured its third SEC title under head coach Kirby Smart. This latest triumph also comes with a significant reward — a first-round bye in the newly formatted 12-team College Football Playoff. Initially ranked fifth by the playoff committee, Georgia’s victory guarantees them a spot in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinals on New Year’s Day, as they aim for their third national title in four years.

Meanwhile, Texas (11-2, ranked No. 2) faced disappointment in their inaugural SEC season, missing the opportunity to claim the conference title. Instead, they will host a first-round playoff game scheduled for either December 20 or 21. Notably, both of Texas’s losses this season have come at the hands of Georgia, who previously triumphed 30-15 during their regular-season matchup in Austin.

Amid the celebrations for the Bulldogs, concerns lingered regarding the condition of Beck, the starting quarterback who sustained a throwing arm injury on the last play of the first half.

Gunner Stockton, now in his third year, had participated in only six games throughout his college career, mostly in garbage time during dominant victories. However, he managed to lead the Bulldogs to a touchdown and two field goals before enduring a heavy hit during an overtime run that resulted in his helmet being knocked off.

Despite his injury, Beck returned to the game cautiously as Georgia faced a first-and-goal situation from the four-yard line. His only option was to hand the ball off to Trevor Etienne, who charged into the end zone, clinching the victory in the first overtime game ever played in the 33-year history of the SEC championship.