After Georgia lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship game last season and was kept out of the four-team College Football Playoff, Carson Beck decided to return to Athens for his fifth year and second as the Bulldog’s starting quarterback. Yet, when Beck finally got another shot at the Crimson Tide, leading No. 2 Georgia into Tuscaloosa to face No. 4 Alabama, Beck didn’t look ready for the moment.
Alabama scored on its first four possessions and Beck had no response for Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s dominance, until the second half. Beck turned the ball over twice in the first half, fumbled at the start of the fourth quarter, and still led the Bulldogs back to take a 34-33 lead before Milroe immediately answered with a 75-yard touchdown throw to Ryan Williams. Then, Beck threw his third interception of the game to end Georgia’s hopes in the 41-34 loss.
It was the first time that Georgia lost in the regular season since November 7, 2020, and put an end to Kirby Smart’s 42-game regular season winning streak. Even after his stellar season in 2023 that saw him enter this season as a top NFL prospect and Heisman Trophy contender, Georgia fans were frustrated with their quarterback’s performance.
Carson Beck had 4 turnovers tonight. This loss is STRICTLY on him.
— zachary (@ZachNagel7) September 29, 2024
Some started to wonder if Beck’s nearly 4,000-yard season in 2023 had a little more to do with the talented pass catchers he was throwing to than his ability to play quarterback. It appears that without his top two playmakers, Beck isn’t the same player.
I’m starting to think that Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers hid some of Carson Beck at times. Can’t throw the 50/50 the same way anymore without those two.
— Kendra Middleton (@KenniMiddleton) September 29, 2024
Most Georgia fans are still going to believe in their starting quarterback, even if his tough outing is to blame for the loss.
i love carson beck so much but he single handedly lost this game for us after bringing us back into it
— Melina Dautovic (@melinadautovic) September 29, 2024
Even NFL evaluators were discouraged by Beck’s play against Alabama. This game could cost him a spot in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring.
Just keep an eye on how hard Carson Beck’s receivers have to work for the football too often. His erratic ball placement continues to be an issue. From a scouting standpoint, it’s the biggest difference when comparing him to Shedeur Sanders (as I eluded to earlier this week).
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) September 29, 2024