The CFP ranking takes a hitch at teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, South Carolina and many more. But Kirby Smart had a close escape from the playoff kickout as they managed to pull out a spectacular SEC championship victory over Texas in a classic rematch. Although a loss would only decline their seeds and wouldn’t at all alter their secured playoff berth, the 22-19 remains a cornerstone in the Bulldogs’ quality wins list. But the same neck in the pain resurfaced amidst the success. Carson Beck, the same Carson Beck. Did his injury propel the committee to an anti-Georgia decision in the future? Let’s hear from the expert.

The dude who has garnered a heck of flakes for his insane interception issues is now down with a glaring injury. Enough for the Dawgs to lose sleep? We have seen what similar QB crunches did to FSU last season. David Pollack didn’t see the same for the Bulldogs, as one of their key strengths made them stand apart.

”I think the difference between FSU and Georgia, to me, is Georgia clearly looked better with their backup quarterback. FSU looked like a train wreck on offense so that’s where I would say FSU’s defense still looked rlite. They still won the ACC, they were still great, and Georgia’s defense still looked elite. But like I could, I would argue by watching that game, the second half, Georgia’s offense went like this, as opposed to off a cliff with FSU, so I think that probably goes into it as well.” Pollack hinted at a safe ba-l game for Smart and his squad.

What really happened to Florida State in 2023? Well, it’s a story that has been retold thousands of times. If you believe the Seminoles’ fans, it must be retold every time someone talks about any injustice in the world. For them, it was one of the biggest injustices. Let’s put it briefly for you. The Seminoles went 13-0 and secured the ACC title. However, when it came to the playoffs, they were snubbed and given the No. 5 ranking by the committee. What was the reason?

Well, the selection committee said that the Seminoles could not make it to the final 4 (we had four teams in 2023, good old days) because the offense looked weaker in the absence of the starting quarterback Jordan Travis. Looking back at it, the committee’s reasoning was sound because the Seminoles were mediocre offensively without Travis. That didn’t happen to the Bulldogs in the SEC Title Game. Why?

Thanks to Beck’s backup guy, Gunner Stockton. The kid, a supremely talented red-shirt sophomore, had three games this year and four games last year, totaling seven during his brief timeline with Georgia. He stepped into the program back in 2022 but couldn’t be granted play time that year. From 2023 onwards, however, there is no looking back. He stunned the world during the Orange Bowl against Florida State, where he obtained 6-for-10 on passing for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

For 2024, Stockton had 13 completions on 16 attempts for 135 yards with no interceptions for zero touchdowns. You might not still get over his banger against Tennessee Tech, where he went 10-for-12 on passing for 90 yards. With replacing Beck for the rest of the season, the avenue to touch the sky is wide open for the Tiger, Ga native. But what about the cursed prince, Carson Beck?

Carson Beck’s injury update and potential return timeline

2024 has been anything but kind to the Georgia QB. Throughout a rollercoaster season, Beck has thrown six more interceptions than he threw last season. Unsurprisingly, it put Georgia’s offense into big question, with fans heavily booing his legitimacy on the team. In the Bulldogs’ two massive losses against Ole Miss and Alabama, Beck suffered multiple turnovers. The backlash reached such an extreme that people didn’t even hesitate to call out his girlfriend and other family members on social media.

But Kirby Smart has been firm in his belief. Rising beyond the stat, the veteran coach kept batting for Beck’s unmatched effort and acute decision-making. He didn’t think of a change in starting position, ruling out the collective grievances. Coach Smart’s faith paid off big time as the QB phenom staged a fiery comeback as the season progressed. But destiny kept it a short-lived spark.

In the SEC clash against Texas, right before halftime,

Beck suffered an injury and was forced to leave the field in pain. He returned for one play when he handed the ball off to Trevor Etienne, but the injury horror persists. He had to undergo an MRI, and there is still no word on when he can heal fully and resume. Although the Dawgs have a three-week rest, it doesn’t look likely that Beck can suit up for the Sugar Bowl.

But no worries, Gunner Stockton can get the job done for Smart, meanwhile!