SEC Champions: Bulldogs Defeat Longhorns 22-19 in OT

©Joshua L. Jones/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Head coach Kirby Smart and the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) are Southeastern Conference Champions after defeating head coach Steve Sarkisian and the No. 2 Texas Longhorns (11-2) 22-19 in OT for the second time this season. Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne ran the ball in from 4 yards out on a handoff from quarterback Carson Beck for the winning touchdown. Beck was actually hurt at the end of the first half but came in for the final play of the game because backup Gunner Stockton had his helmet knocked off on the previous play and had to sit for one play.

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Game Summary

This game started out slow for both teams. Out of the 10 first half drives, there were 4 punts, 2 turnovers, a missed field goal and 3 made field goals.

The action picked up on the first drive of the second half as the Bulldogs went 10 plays, 75 yards for the touchdown as Etienne ran it in from 10 yards out and gave the Bulldogs a 10-6 lead early third quarter.

Late in the third quarter, Longhorns' kicker Bert Auburn missed a 51-yard field goal and on the ensuing drive, Bulldogs kicker Peyton Woodring connected from 24 yards out and the Bulldogs took a 13-6 lead into the fourth quarter.

But the Longhorns had the answer as their first drive of the fourth quarter was a great one as they went 5 plays, 75 yards for the touchdown as quarterback Quinn Ewers found wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. from 41 yards out and it was all tied up at 13.

The Bulldogs took the next drive 16 plays, 72 yards that took 9:22 off the clock and Woodring connected again from 21 yards out for a 16-13 lead.

The Bulldogs thought they had it in the bag with 2:30 to go but on third-and-13 from the Longhorns' 31-yard line, Stockton made a massive mistake and threw an interception.

On the ensuing drive, Auburn tied it up from 37-yards out and it was 16-16 heading to overtime.

The Longhorns drive in OT ended in a 32-yard field goal and suddenly it was the Bulldogs turn to try to win it. The Bulldogs did just that in 6 plays with Etienne's winner and the Bulldogs went home happy with the SEC Championship and likely a top seed in the College Football Playoff.

Turning Point: Longhorns

Yes, the Bulldogs won the game and the SEC Championship, but the true turning point was Stockton's interception. It really helped turn momentum in the Longhorns favor and get it to OT despite the loss.

What It Means for Each Team

For the Bulldogs, what a win despite the Beck injury and starting this game out slow. Their backup came in and did his job outside of the interception and they won the SEC. Now they await the Dec. 7 CFP announcement of what seed and the all-important first-round bye.

For the Longhorns, the offense just did not do enough, and the defense did not do enough against a backup quarterback that has not played a lot this season. Like the Bulldogs, they await news of what seed they are in the 12-team CFP and if they get a bye or not.