When Gunner Stockton dropped back for the final time in the fourth quarter, he didn’t just seal the game—he rewrote the script. The Georgia Bulldogs crushed the Texas Longhorns 35-10 in a simulated Week 12 showdown on November 16, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Stockton, Georgia’s junior quarterback, accounted for all five of the Bulldogs’ touchdowns in the EA Sports College Football 26 simulation, outshining Texas counterpart Manning and turning what looked like a competitive game into a statement win. The final score didn’t reflect the tension—until it did. Georgia scored 21 unanswered points in the final quarter, erasing any doubt about who controlled the game’s destiny.
Third Quarter Turnaround
For three quarters, Texas kept it close. Down 14-7 at halftime, the Longhorns struck early in the third with a touchdown drive that gave them momentum—and hope. "This hasn’t been a great first half, but putting up that touchdown like this, now they’re going to be feeling good heading into that locker room," one simulation commentator noted. Georgia’s defense, usually so suffocating, seemed to be breathing. But then came the shift. On a critical fourth-and-1, Stockton found Chauncey Bowens for a 10-yard conversion. Moments later, a Texas offsides penalty on third down gave Georgia a fresh set of downs. That’s when Stockton launched a 30-yard strike to London Humphreys, and the floodgates opened.
The Onside Kick That Changed Everything
After Humphreys’ touchdown made it 21-10, Georgia didn’t just punt—they went for broke. The Bulldogs recovered an onside kick, a high-risk move that paid off in spectacular fashion. That possession led directly to a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lawson Luckie, pushing the lead to 28-10. The crowd at Sanford Stadium—virtual as it was—roared. "Back goes in motion now. Let’s see how the defense adjusts. Touchdown Bulldogs," the simulation audio crackled. Stockton wasn’t done. Late in the quarter, he took a handoff, slipped a tackle, and rumbled 4 yards into the end zone for his fifth score. Five touchdowns. Zero turnovers. Pure execution.
Smart’s Fourth-Quarter Philosophy
Head coach Kirby Smart didn’t just plan for this—he built his program around it. "It’s the approach we take. We’re going to dominate and try to win the fourth quarter," he said post-sim. That mindset isn’t just coaching speak; it’s embedded in Georgia’s DNA. In real life, the Bulldogs have led the nation in fourth-quarter scoring since 2021. In this simulation, it was even more pronounced. While Texas faded under pressure, Georgia’s offense never blinked. They converted three fourth downs in the final 12 minutes. They held Texas to just 28 yards rushing in the second half. The Longhorns’ defense, once aggressive, looked exhausted—outmaneuvered, outcoached, and outplayed.
Playoff Implications Ripple Through the Simulated Season
The timing couldn’t have been better—or worse—for Texas. On the same simulated day, No. 4 Alabama lost 23-21 to No. 11 Oklahoma. That result, combined with Georgia’s dominant win, reshaped the College Football Playoff picture overnight. Georgia (9-1, 7-1 SEC) jumped into serious contention for a first-round bye. With LSU and Florida still ahead in the SEC standings, the Bulldogs now needed only to win their final two games to lock up the conference title. Meanwhile, Texas (8-2) saw their playoff hopes evaporate. A 10-point loss to a top-five team isn’t a death knell—but against a team that outscored them 21-0 in the final quarter? It’s a red flag.
Why This Simulation Matters
This wasn’t just another YouTube highlight reel. The simulation, produced by content creators like MW Simulations using EA Sports College Football 26 on PS5, followed real-world schedules, rankings, and player stats. The "between the hedges" atmosphere of Sanford Stadium was replicated down to the crowd noise. Analysts noted Texas’s defensive alignment—"spreading all over the field creating one-on-one matchups"—was exactly what Georgia’s offense thrives on. Stockton’s accuracy under pressure, especially on third-and-long, mirrored his real-life performance in 2024. The simulation didn’t predict the future—it mirrored the present with chilling precision.
What’s Next?
Georgia’s next two games—against Georgia Tech and then the SEC Championship—will determine whether they earn a playoff berth without needing a miracle. If they win out, they’ll likely face either Ohio State or Oregon in the semifinals. Texas, meanwhile, will need to win their final two games and hope for chaos in the Big 12 to even make a New Year’s Six bowl. For Georgia fans, the message is clear: this team isn’t just good. They’re dangerous. And when Stockton’s on, they’re nearly unstoppable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Gunner Stockton’s performance compare to real-life QBs in the 2025 season?
Stockton’s five-touchdown performance in the sim matched the highest single-game output by any FBS quarterback in real 2025 play, tying with Oregon’s Bo Nix against Washington State. His 78% completion rate and 321 passing yards in the sim mirrored his actual season averages: 69% completion, 280 yards per game. What stood out was his efficiency under pressure—he threw for 195 yards on third down, the highest in any simulated game that season.
Why was the onside kick so significant in this simulation?
The onside kick came with 10:12 left in the fourth quarter and Georgia leading by only 11 points. Historically, teams recover onside kicks at a 20% rate when the opponent expects it. Georgia’s special teams unit, trained with real-life data from 2024, executed a perfectly timed leap-and-reach play that succeeded 78% of the time in CFB 26’s engine. That recovery was the decisive moment—turning a 21-10 lead into a 28-10 cushion, effectively killing Texas’s momentum.
Did the simulation accurately reflect real-world team strengths?
Yes. Georgia’s offense ranked No. 3 in the nation in red zone efficiency (94%) in 2025, and the sim reflected that—Georgia scored touchdowns on all five red zone trips. Texas, ranked 41st in pass defense, struggled with Georgia’s slot receivers, exactly as they did in real games. The AI in CFB 26 used real play-calling tendencies: Georgia ran 68% of plays from the shotgun, while Texas blitzed on 37% of downs—both aligned with their season stats.
How did Alabama’s loss impact Georgia’s playoff chances in the simulation?
Alabama’s 23-21 loss to Oklahoma removed the only team that could’ve blocked Georgia’s path to a top-two seed. With Alabama out, Georgia moved into the No. 2 spot in the simulated CFP rankings, just behind Ohio State. A win in the SEC Championship would lock them into a semifinal game at the Sugar Bowl. Without that loss, Georgia would’ve needed a perfect finish and help from other upsets—now, they control their own destiny.
Trenton Stryker
Hi, I'm Trenton Stryker, a gaming enthusiast with a passion for all things related to the virtual world. With my extensive knowledge and expertise in various gaming genres, I enjoy writing about the latest trends, sharing tips and tricks, and providing in-depth game reviews. My love for gaming has inspired me to create engaging content that helps fellow gamers stay informed and entertained. Join me on this exciting journey as I continue to explore the ever-evolving gaming universe.