The first thing that struck me about the SEC Championship Game was the less-than-packed arena. Empty seats spread around the Stadium. Although, as expected, Georgia fans dominated the scene, unused seats were noticeable even on the lower level between the thirty-yard line on both sides of the field. The expanded Playoff prompted fans to husband resources for the upcoming playoff marathon.

The next thing that caught my attention was the physical intensity of the game. The well-worn cliche “slobber knocker” is an apt description for a contest that featured hard-nosed play from both teams. Incredibly, the intensity level ramped to an even higher level at the end of regulation and into overtime. The hit by the ‘Horns Andrew Mukuba stunned Gunner Stockton at the four yard line and was what the Longhorns needed to produce a fumble and change the game’s momentum. However, even with his helmet sent flying by the collision, Stockton’s grip on the football never wavered – a remarkable feat of ability and training.

As I write this, Carson Beck’s availability is still unconfirmed. Even if his injury does not require surgery, Beck might be hard-pressed to return from an elbow injury to his throwing arm in time to prepare for the Sugar Bowl. So, I’m proceeding on the assumption that he is out for the Playoff and will enter the 2025 draft.

The Texas team that took the kickoff was equal to (or close enough) Georgia’s available talent. Both teams have excellent coaching and world-class facilities, but there was a dramatic difference when gut-check time came in overtime. Georgia grabbed the opportunity by the throat and willed itself into the endzone.

My final thought on the Championship Game is to suggest that all Dawgs rewatch the last two plays of the game and concentrate on the offensive line: Stockton’s designed run on the penultimate play and Etienne’s game-winner.

Each of those plays exhibited an exceptional damn-the-torpedoes commitment to the play by the back involved, but five other Bulldogs made those plays possible. Watch the replays. Stockton’s called run used the pass look to open the middle. Still, the offensive line picked up the Longhorn’s blitzing linebacker, rolled him and the right defensive tackle away from center and created a hole visible from space – leaving the rest to Stockton.

On the next play, Texas lined up in a 6-5 from the four-yard line. Chad Chambliss and Trevor Etienne in an I behind a one-armed Carson Beck. A simple power play to the left of center relied on Chris Chambliss at blocking back, Dylan Fairchild at left guard, and Monroe Freeling at left tackle to create a lane for Stockton. They made a freeway; Etienne saw the hole, dropped his head, secured the ball with both hands and blasted for the score. Game over.

Georgia adds another banner at Sanford Stadium.