The Georgia Bulldogs triumphed over the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling SEC Championship game filled with unexpected twists and drama. This marked their second victory over the Longhorns this season, but this time it secured the conference title. Now, under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia shifts its focus to the College Football Playoff, with Smart delivering a cheeky remark to Greg Sankey afterward.
Sankey, the SEC commissioner, was called out by Kirby Smart after the SEC Championship game, where the Georgia head coach remarked that his team had been “sent on the road all year long,” according to ESPN. With their victory, the Bulldogs now have a bye and can rest as they prepare for the College Football Playoff.
“It means rest for our team, who [SEC commissioner] Greg Sankey and his staff sent on the road all year long,” Smart said. “Now we get a little break to prepare for the College Football Playoff. This team needs some mental rest, some time off. We’ll celebrate this win for about 48 hours because it’s a big one.”
“This team never says no and has a never-die attitude,” Smart added. “They were so fired up at halftime. The offense was pumped up, and Gunner and the guys were ready to go, man.”
Georgia football’s Kirby Smart on Gunner Stockton
It nearly turned into a disaster for Georgia when quarterback Carson Beck was ruled out due to an arm injury, forcing backup Gunner Stockton to step in. Stockton led the team to victory, throwing for 71 yards and completing 12 of his 16 pass attempts, though he did throw an interception.
“This kid is a winner,” Smart said about Stockton. “This kid is special.”
There’s no question that Stockton has the full support of his teammates, even those on the defensive side like safety Dan Jackson and linebacker Jalon Walker.
“Gunner comes in and works his butt off every day,” Jackson said. “He’s always prepared. I’ve seen him staying late in the film room for this opportunity, and he definitely made the most of it.”
“He’s resilient, man,” Walker said. “He’s waited for his chance for three years, and when he got it, he stood strong and capitalized.”
Georgia football’s Kirby Smart on SEC title MVP
Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette was named the MVP of the game, but Smart expressed that running back Trevor Etienne deserved the honor, according to Saturday Down South.
“No disrespect to Daylen, I love Daylen, he had a big game and earned the MVP, but I thought Trevor Etienne was the MVP because he came to me and said, ‘Coach, I want to play in this game. I came to this school because I want to win a championship,’” Smart said.
“He spoke from the heart. I knew right then, I said, ‘This dude is gonna play if he can,’” Smart continued. “He plays physical. He’s got great cuts. We have good backs, but he made some special runs tonight.”
With the victory, Georgia is now focused on preparing for the College Football Playoff, where they will enter as one of the top-ranked teams, aiming for another championship.
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