Football game between the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 7, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
In a heart-wrenching finish to a thrilling SEC Championship game, the second-ranked Texas Longhorns narrowly missed out on capturing their first conference title in their inaugural season in the SEC. The fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs emerged victorious, securing a 22-19 overtime win.
The first half was largely dominated by Texas, who outgained Georgia 260 yards to 54. However, the Longhorns were unable to capitalize fully on their offensive dominance, settling for a 6-3 halftime lead. The Longhorn defense, a stalwart force all season, held Georgia scoreless in the first quarter, extending their streak of opponents held scoreless in the opening frame to ten.
Texas's lead was established by senior kicker Bert Auburn, who continued his stellar season. His 41-yard field goal in the first quarter marked his 61st career make, surpassing Cameron Dicker for the program's all-time record. Auburn added another field goal later in the half, showcasing his precision and reliability.
Georgia, known for their strong defensive prowess, gradually found their footing in the second half. They embarked on a 13-point scoring run, fueled by Peyton Woodring's accurate kicking. The Bulldogs' offensive resurgence, combined with a quiet third quarter from Texas, shifted the momentum of the game.
The Longhorns, however, refused to back down. Led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, they responded with a 41-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr., tying the game at 13-13. Georgia regained the lead with a field goal, but Texas once again battled back, tying the game at 16-16 with a late field goal from Auburn.
The game was pushed into overtime, where both teams had their chances. Texas took an early lead with a field goal from Auburn, but Georgia's Trevor Etienne punched in a crucial touchdown to secure the victory.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Texas's inaugural SEC season was marked by impressive performances and significant milestones. The Longhorns have established themselves as a formidable force in the conference, and their future looks bright as they continue to build on their success.
University of Texas Football
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