Carson Beck will not only miss the Allstate Sugar Bowl but will also miss the entirety of the College Football Playoff should Georgia advance.
Carson Beck’s journey this season has come to an untimely and abrupt end.
The Georgia quarterback, a steady leader under center, underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a UCL injury in his throwing elbow. The school confirmed he is expected to make a full recovery. Yet, the timing delivers a cruel twist—Beck will miss the entirety of the College Football Playoff.
For Georgia, it’s a setback in their quest for another title. For Beck, it’s the end of a campaign that showcased his resilience and poise. Now, the Bulldogs look ahead, forced to march forward without their trusted signal-caller.
Is Beck’s Career at Georgia Over?
The moment was a turning point for Georgia and for Carson Beck.
In the SEC Championship earlier this month, Beck’s season took a devastating turn. Late in the first half against Texas, Beck’s arm was struck by a Longhorns defender mid-throw, the ball jarred loose as he collapsed to the ground in visible pain. It was a blow that forced Beck out for the remainder of the game.
If you’re curious about Carson Beck’s injury, this is a good breakdown.
(via @MEDspirationNFP) pic.twitter.com/L0xYKLPp0n
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) December 8, 2024
In his absence, backup Gunner Stockton stepped into the spotlight. Stockton rallied the Bulldogs, leading them to a dramatic overtime victory that secured Georgia a spot in the College Football Playoff and a Sugar Bowl showdown against Notre Dame on New Year’s Day.
For Beck, the road ahead is less certain. Once considered a rising prospect for the NFL Draft, his UCL injury leaves his pre-draft process clouded with questions. While he has yet to consistently appear as a projected first-round pick, the quarterback landscape in this draft class could offer him an opening — provided he can throw and showcase his talent in time. Or perhaps Beck may return to Georgia in 2025.
For now, Georgia marches on without its leader under center, while Beck faces the delicate balance of recovery and readiness, his NFL dreams still very much within reach, but with this latest hurdle to overcome.
Georgia Has Prepared to Move Forward With Gunner Stockton
Carson Beck’s absence in the College Football Playoff loomed large ever since his injury in the SEC Championship. Beck’s season ends with impressive numbers — 3,485 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions — but the Bulldogs will now turn to sophomore Gunner Stockton to lead them forward.
Stockton, a former four-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in his class, has seen limited action this season. In three games, he’s completed 25 passes for 206 yards and thrown one interception. Against Texas in the SEC title game, Stockton went 12-of-16 for 71 yards and an interception but managed the offense well enough to keep Georgia alive. The defining moment came in overtime when Trevor Etienne’s 4-yard touchdown run sealed a 22-19 victory, with Beck returning briefly to hand the ball off on the decisive play.
Gunner Stockton wanted ALL the smoke after taking his first big hit on Saturday.
Gamer. This is why the team loves this kid so much. pic.twitter.com/f08EGt08NL
— UGA Savage Pads (@savagepads) December 10, 2024
Georgia now faces Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, with the Fighting Irish riding high after a 27-17 victory over Indiana in the first round. The Bulldogs are slight favorites at 1.5 points, but the pressure is immense. Head coach Kirby Smart has had extra time to prepare Stockton, knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher for the defending champions.
