Calhoun’s Cole Speer leads Georgia to SEC title over Alabama

ATLANTA (AP) — Gunner Stockton and Georgia finally put an end to Alabama’s mastery of the rivalry between Southeastern Conference powers.

Stockton threw three touchdown passes as the third-ranked Bulldogs solidified their position for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff and beat Alabama in the SEC championship game for the first time, pounding the 10th-ranked Crimson Tide 28-7 on Saturday.

Stockton, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 156 yards and rushed for 39 yards, was named the game’s MVP. It was the first victory over Alabama for Georgia’s fourth-year players, including Stockton.

“We approached it the same, like it was a big game, and didn’t make it bigger than it was,” Stockton said.

Georgia (12-1, No. 3 CFP) had been 0-4 against Alabama in the SEC title game and 1-7 against the Crimson Tide under coach Kirby Smart. Playing in their fifth straight league championship game, the Bulldogs earned their fourth title under Smart and 16th overall.

During a team meeting at the start of the week, Georgia players who had a win over Alabama were asked to stand up.

“None of them stood up,” Smart said.

Now the Bulldogs can stand. They also can brag about winning back-to-back SEC championships.

“I thought it hit right between the eyes of doing it for the seniors,” Smart said.

Cole Speer’s block of Blake Doud’s punt in the first quarter allowed Georgia to start a drive at the Alabama 21. Nate Frazier ran for 14 yards on first down. On third down from the 1, Stockton faked a handoff, rolled right and passed to Roderick Robinson II for the touchdown.