Stetson Bennett discusses the emotions of curtain call, ovation in final game

Stetson Bennett completed one of the most storied careers in college football history last Monday after Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the national championship game. Bennett’s career was capped with the storybook ending – a standing ovation and a curtain call during the fourth quarter of his final game.

“In the huddle, I told all the guys, ‘what are we doing? Why don’t we have a play?’ They were going to let me walk out of there,” Bennett said postgame. “As simple as it is, it’s one last huddle with the guys. And that was special, coming off the field and seeing coach Smart. That was really cool and I appreciate that.”

The former walk-on completed the national title game completing 18-of-24 passes for 304 yards and six total touchdowns. His favorite targets, TE Brock Bowers and WR Ladd McConkey combined for 240 of Bennett’s yards, including three of his four touchdown passes. A fantastic showing for the trio’s final ride together.

Bennett was on his A-game from the opening drive. In the first half alone, Bennett threw for two touchdowns, ran for two more and out-gained the TCU offense with his arm alone 213-121. He poured on for two more touchdown passes in the third quarter, mounting a 52-7 lead over the Horned Frogs which is when he received a standing ovation while subbing out early in the fourth quarter. 

The ovation was the final chapter in his historic career. During his Georgia tenure, Bennett threw for 8,428 yards, 66 touchdowns (70 total) and 21 interceptions while adding 530 rushing yards to his impressive numbers.

After coming to the team as a walk-on, transferring out to play JUCO ball, committing to Georgia a second time and becoming a two-time national champion, Heisman finalsit, SEC champion – that only begins to describe the lore of Stetson Bennett. The Mailman delivered once again, and he’s now immortilized himself in Georgia Bulldogs football history.