In an ending ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler described as “like a movie script,” injured No. 6 Georgia quarterback Carson Beck returned for one play to hand the ball off to Trevor Etienne and clinch the SEC Championship.
The Bulldogs knocked off No. 2 Texas to win 22-19 and effectively guarantee their spot in the College Football Playoffs as coach Kirby Smart looked elated on the sideline. Georgia will be in contention for a top-four seed and a crucial bye.
On the play prior, backup Gunner Stockton suffered a helmet-to-helmet collision with Texas defender Andrew Mukuba and was forced to come out of the game.
Makuba’s hit was reviewed for targeting as the ESPN cameras panned to Beck taking snaps under a center on the sidelines. His arm dangled awkwardly from his side as he stuttered into the game.
Georgia ran nothing fancy: Beck calmly handed the ball off to Etienne for a four-yard touchdown scamper. The Bulldogs running back was the game’s star with his 122 total yards and two scores.
Beck was originally ruled out of the contest after suffering a shoulder injury late in the second quarter. While rearing back to go deep, Beck’s arm was pinned back by a Texas defender. H
The Georgia quarterback immediately fell to the ground in pain and did not return until the last play, having initially been ruled out of the contest.
A whole lot happened on the final play of the first half. pic.twitter.com/KbTz6SV8wp
Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 7, 2024
Neither signal caller ended up with a shining stat line in the victory; Stockton completed 12 of his 16 passes for just 71 yards and an interception, while Beck completed seven of his 13 throws for 56 yards.
Coach Smart had nothing but praise for Stockton when asked about his backup quarterback postgame. This kid is a winner,” he admitted.
Georgia was outyarded 389 to 277 on the day but stayed in the contest thanks to a string of key third-down stops and a handful of timely turnovers.
The Bulldogs were college football national champions in both 2021 and 2022 but had to settle for just the Orange Bowl title a season ago.
This year, Smart’s team looks poised to recapture their title. However, Beck’s status is still yet to be announced.
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