"That shouldn't have been a flag": Fans approve ref calls on brutal hit during Texas vs Georgia SEC championship
The SEC Championship game between the No. 2 Texas Longhorns and No.5 Georgia Bulldogs was already tense, but a final bone of contention came in the second half. Georgia’s backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, who shined in the SEC title, took a massive hit from Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
The impact was fierce as Stockton’s helmet flew off during his run in overtime, but the referees ruled the play clean, and no flag was thrown. Naturally, the Bulldogs' family was stunned as the hard hit came after Carson Beck’s injury, and it wasn’t without controversy that the fans rallied around the decision.
Despite its brutal appearance, the hit adhered to the technicalities of a fair tackle, sparking debates across social media. Many fans praised the officiating crew, calling the hit “clean” and commending them for letting the game flow without unnecessary penalties.
A fan agreed with the call:"That Shouldn't Have Been A Flag."
A fan wrote, "Because it wasn’t targeting."
A similar voice supported the call, "Prolly cause it wasn’t targeting lol."
"Side of helmet, wasn’t defense less. Finally a fair call," claimed another fan.
A supporter commented, "Because it wasn't targeting?"
A fan noted, "Big hit happens and everyone thinks it has to be illegal 😂."
While Georgia faced a fierce enemy in Texas, they finally settled the record at 11-2 for each and made their way into the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs’ play symbolized strength, as they continued the show with Stockton after Beck and kept the Bulldogs alive in the game with a fighting spirit.
Though he had to leave after the hit, Stockton’s contribution, including several key completions and unmatched energy, played a critical role in Georgia’s 22-19 overtime victory.
Coach Kirby Smart Praised Stockton for Keeping Georgia Bulldogs Alive
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was all praises for backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, who stepped up massively during the SEC Championship. Stockton, a former 4-star recruit who had spent most of his college career in the shadows with only six games to his name, proved his worth when the Bulldogs needed him most.
After starter Carson Beck left the game due to an arm injury, Stockton came in and helped orchestrate Georgia's win over Texas despite being ruthlessly attacked. When asked postgame about Stockton’s performance, Smart was emphatic about the young talent, saying,
“That kid played tough as nails... he's a phenomenal leader, and I think everybody rose up around him.”
Despite having minimal game experience, Stockton showed poise under pressure, completing clutch passes and standing true to the Bulldogs' "never say die" attitude. Smart also credited the coaching staff for building Stockton's confidence and noted how the team rallied around their unlikely hero.