Classic SEC Football: Georgia Tops Auburn in 2002 and Claims the SEC East Title

Every Friday, The SEC Blog will feature one classic game from the storied history of SEC football.

Georgia travelled to Auburn on November 16, 2002 sporting a No. 7 ranking and a 9-1 record, with its only loss being to Florida, who was one game behind the Bulldogs in the East standings. Auburn entered the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry at 7-3 and ranked No. 23. 

With a win, Georgia would lock up its first appearance in the SEC Championship Game, but Auburn had other ideas.

The Tigers jumped out to a 14-3 lead at halftime thanks to a 53-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown in the first quarter and a two-yard touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to Brandon Johnson with under two minutes to go in the first half.

Georgia scored twice in the third quarter, but trailed 21-17 heading to the fourth with a spot in Atlanta on the line.

The Bulldogs crossed into Auburn territory three times in the fourth quarter, but it had zero points to show for it. 

The fourth time was the charm.

On 4th-and-15 from the Auburn 20 with 1:18 to play, Georgia quarterback David Greene lofted a pass to the left corner of the end zone for Michael Johnson. Johnson out-jumped Tiger defensive back Horace Willis—who stumbled on the play—to haul it in, giving Georgia the 24-21 victory.

The Bulldogs would go on defeat Arkansas 30-3 in the 2002 SEC Championship Game and claim their first SEC title since 1982.

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