The Georgia Bulldogs received some good news and bad news ahead of the College Football Playoff (CFP). On the positive side, they earned a first-round bye, meaning they need one fewer win than eight other teams in the CFP to secure the national title. However, they may have to do it without starting quarterback. He sustained a shoulder injury on the final play of the SEC Championship game when his throwing arm was hit by Texas linebacker Trey Moore during a desperation pass attempt from midfield.
While Georgia initially hoped he would return after the Sugar Bowl—where they’ll face the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame versus No. 10 Indiana—his recovery hasn’t progressed as expected. According to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, Georgia is preparing to proceed without Beck for the remainder of the CFP. “Sources confirm that Carson is expected to miss the rest of the season, and Gunner Stockton will take over as Georgia’s starting QB in the playoff,” Zenitz reported. “Carson has been consulting multiple doctors in Texas and California to determine the best treatment plan for the elbow injury he suffered during the SEC title game.”
Beck has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s success this season, starting all 13 games while ranking eighth nationally in touchdown passes (28) and ninth in passing yards (3,485). Meanwhile, Stockton, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, has seen limited action, appearing in just seven games over two seasons. He has accumulated 354 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. In relief of Beck during the SEC Championship, Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and an interception but also led the Bulldogs to two touchdowns and two field goals in the second half and overtime.
Leave a Reply