Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck put together another efficient performance in Georgia’s 34-3 win over the Clemson Tigers. Beck drew praise from both Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney after the win.
Kirby Smart praised Beck’s improved ability to extend plays. Clemson disrupted a run-pass-option from Georgia, but Beck bought some time and delivered a pass to wide receiver Dillon Bell, who made a big game. The play was called back due to offensive pass interference (there were also illegal linemen downfield), but it showcased the growth Beck has had in that aspect of his game.
“Yeah, tremendous (on Beck’s growth at extending plays),” said Smart. “The first conversion (a third down scramble) was that, it didn’t end up in points, but what it did was flip field position. It made (Clemson) play behind bad field position most of the day. He has the ability to do that and I tell people all the time they don’t know the athlete he is and it’s not the speed, it’s the body control, decision making.”
Beck certainly made good decisions throughout the day. The senior quarterback completed 23 of 33 passes for 273 passing yards and two touchdowns and no turnovers.
“He can hurt you when you go out there and match everything, and then he takes off on you,” said Smart. “He’s got really good pocket presence, and he makes some plays with his feet.”
Beck certainly has the ability to identify man coverage, which means no defender is watching the quarterback. He took advantage of that a few times against Clemson, but give credit to the Georgia offensive line. The Bulldogs did a good job of protecting Beck against a stout Clemson defensive line.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney came into the game concerned about Carson Beck.
“Another thing I was worried about was their quarterback (Carson Beck). I think he showed it. He’s a really, really good player. He’s incredibly accurate,” said Swinney. “That’s one of my concerns going into the game, was if we let him hold the ball on third-and-long, he’ll find ’em. And he did. He made a couple huge plays on third-and-long.”
Georgia went just 4 of 11 on third down. However, Carson Beck played a massive role in Georgia’s four conversions.
“Their quarterback, I think he’s a special player,” said Swinney. “He’s an experienced guy. He showed today what he’s capable of doing.”
This is just the start for Carson Beck, who noted that his goals are to win a national championship, win the Heisman and be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.