The Georgia Bulldogs are backing quarterback Carson Beck despite his recent interception and fumble issues. Beck and the Georgia offense have turned the ball over three times in each of UGA’s past three games, but Georgia went 2-1 during this stretch.
Beck’s numbers are down across the board in 2024. Beck has 17 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions through nine games. He finished 2023 with 24 touchdown passes and six interceptions.
Georgia’s offensive struggles are not all Beck’s fault. His supporting cast simply isn’t as good as it was a year ago. The Georgia offensive line has not been as effective this season. UGA is averaging just 124.1 rushing yards per game, which is 15th in the SEC. The Dawgs don’t have as reliable pass catchers and lead the country in drops.
So why will Georgia not play another quarterback in Beck’s place?
1. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart supports Beck and is not considering a change.
“Absolutely not,” said Kirby Smart when asked if Georgia is considering a change at quarterback. “We’ve got the quarterback we’ve got who is completely competent, capable and understanding of our system that gives us the best chance to win.”
2. Georgia simply does not have the talent or experience at quarterback to replace Beck with any sort of confidence.
Georgia’s back up quarterbacks are freshman Jaden Rashada, sophomore Gunner Stockton, and freshman Ryan Puglisi.
Rashada has not recorded a stat for Georgia this season. Rashada has played in three career games, while at Arizona State, and put up modest numbers (485 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions on 82 attempts).
Stockton is Georgia’s top backup quarterback. He is more mobile than Beck, which is intriguing, but he has just 31 career pass attempts and was Georgia’s third-string quarterback for all of the 2023 season except for one game.
Puglisi is a true freshman who was unable to participate in much of the spring workouts. Now, is way too soon for him to start over an experienced quarterback like Beck.
3. Carson Beck has proven he can beat the nation’s top teams.
Beck beat the No. 3 Texas Longhorns on the road just a few weeks ago. Beck also played well in the second half in Georgia’s season-opening win over No. 16 Clemson.
Ultimately, Georgia does not have much of a choice. The Bulldogs have to roll with Carson Beck as long as he is healthy because he is UGA’s top quarterback option. There’s no magical player on Georgia’s roster that will be able to step in and save Georgia’s season, so it will have to be Beck and his next opportunity is this Saturday against No. 4 Tennessee.