The Texas Longhorns came up just short in their inaugural SEC Championship Game appearance, losing 22-19 to the Georgia Bulldogs.
The game started positively for Texas, as they dominated much of the first half and held a 6-3 lead at halftime. However, one of the pivotal moments came at the end of the first half when Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was sidelined with an undisclosed upper-body injury.
Beck was replaced by Gunner Stockton, who gave Georgia’s offense a spark. In the second half, Stockton led the Bulldogs to a touchdown, taking a 13-6 lead after Texas kicker Bert Auburn missed his second field goal attempt of the game.
Texas responded in the fourth quarter when quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with DeAndre Moore on a long touchdown, tying the game at 13. Late in the game, Georgia regained the lead with a field goal, making it 16-13 with less than five minutes remaining.
With the pressure mounting, Ewers was intercepted on the ensuing drive, giving Georgia favorable field position. But just when the Longhorns’ hopes seemed dashed, Texas’ defense stepped up, as Jahdae Barron intercepted Stockton, giving the Longhorns another chance with 2:30 left.
Texas capitalized on the turnover, with Auburn hitting a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 16-16 with 18 seconds remaining, forcing overtime.
In overtime, Texas could only muster a field goal, allowing Georgia a chance to win. The Bulldogs took advantage, with Etienne running in a touchdown to secure the win.
Ewers had a strong performance, completing 27 of 46 passes for 358 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Matthew Golden was his top target, hauling in eight passes for 162 yards. The Longhorns accumulated 389 total yards of offense, but struggled on the ground, gaining just 31 yards.
Despite the tough loss, Texas is expected to host a College Football Playoff game, likely scheduled for December 20 or 21 at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
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