The Georgia Bulldogs’ quest for another national championship has hit a significant obstacle as reports suggest they are preparing to compete in the College Football Playoff without starting quarterback Carson Beck. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Chris Low, Beck is exploring options to address a serious elbow injury sustained on his throwing arm.
Injury Timeline
Beck suffered the injury during the SEC Championship Game, a dramatic 22–19 overtime victory against Texas. The incident occurred on the final play of the first half. Despite the injury, Beck returned for a single play in overtime to hand the ball off to running back Trevor Etienne, who sealed the win with a game-winning touchdown.
Beck’s brief return was necessitated by a hit that dislodged the helmet of backup quarterback Gunner Stockton inside the 5-yard line.
Now, as Beck assesses potential treatments for his elbow, which could include surgery, the Bulldogs are preparing for life without their star signal-caller as they head into the postseason.
Backup Plan: Gunner Stockton
In Beck’s absence, the spotlight will shift to Gunner Stockton, who is poised to make his first collegiate start in the Sugar Bowl on January 1. Stockton, who has served as Beck’s backup, has limited game experience, completing 72.5% of his pass attempts for 354 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions over the past two seasons.
While Stockton has yet to prove himself as a starting quarterback, Georgia’s coaching staff is confident in his ability to step up under pressure. The Sugar Bowl will serve as a baptism by fire for the young quarterback as the Bulldogs aim to keep their championship hopes alive.
Carson Beck’s Stellar Season
Before his injury, Beck was in the midst of an outstanding season, throwing for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 13 games. His strong performances throughout the year had established him as one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Beck’s potential absence from the playoff will undoubtedly impact Georgia’s offensive strategy, as his experience and leadership have been critical to the team’s success.
Playoff Path
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 2, are awaiting their semifinal opponent, which will be determined by Friday night’s first-round game between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana. Regardless of their opponent, Georgia’s road to the national championship will be significantly more challenging without Beck under center.
What’s Next for Georgia?
The Bulldogs will need to rely on their depth and resilience as they adapt to this sudden change. Stockton will need to prove he can handle the pressure of the College Football Playoff, and Georgia’s coaching staff will likely lean heavily on their dominant defense and running game to support their young quarterback.
For Beck, the focus now shifts to his recovery and preparation for the next chapter of his football career. As he contemplates declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, his decision regarding surgery and rehabilitation will be pivotal not only for his future but also for Georgia’s postseason chances.
A Challenging Path Ahead
Georgia’s championship hopes remain alive, but the absence of Carson Beck introduces uncertainty to their playoff run.
With Gunner Stockton stepping into the spotlight, the Bulldogs will look to rally around their young quarterback and maintain their championship pedigree in the face of adversity.
