As Georgia Bulldogs gear up for their big showdown against Tennessee, all eyes are on quarterback Carson Beck. Yet, the real story here might be what’s happening (or not happening) around him. Joel Klatt just dropped a take that has Bulldog fans and critics alike doing a double-take. Is the Cavinder curse real and really got him? One of the greatest on the headsets would like to believe in facts more than superstitions.

The tentacles of the Dawgs 28-10 loss to Ole Miss stretch from Austin, Texas, to Bloomington, Indiana. This was the point where everyone’s switch flipped over Carson Beck and the Kirby Smart side. While many have been quick to point fingers at Beck. Joel Klatt argues on The Joel Klatt Show the team’s problems go deeper. In his analysis, he shifts some of the blame away from the Georgia QB and aims it squarely at two key issues. The Bulldogs’ offensive line, paired with Beck’s disconnect with his receivers.

JK’s take isn’t just a simple defense of Beck; he breaks down the mechanics of why things have gotten dicey in Georgia’s offense. After watching the Ole Miss game, Klatt pointed out that the Bulldogs #15’s timing with his route runners is off, and this delay has set off a chain reaction.

The football scientist theorized, “They are totally disconnected as far as the timing of their passing game.” That split-second delay causes Beck to hold on to the ball longer than he should, leading to rushed throws, tipped passes, and the all-too-familiar interceptions that keep popping up. And it doesn’t help that Georgia’s O-line has left Beck exposed, giving him little time to work through these kinks.

With, the stakes as high as they get against a No. 6 ranked Tennessee team known for its suffocating defense. Kirby Smart’s offensive struggles couldn’t come at a worse time. For your kindest information, the Vols defense ranks among the best in the SEC, and as Klatt noted, “You’re going to face the Tennessee defense… that is a top two defense in the league.” It sounds funny to say, no pressure Dawgs, to a No.3 ranked side. This test will reveal whether Beck and the Bulldogs can tighten up their game or if the disconnects will spell doom against Tennessee’s relentless pressure.

After having a groundbreaking season last year. He completed 72.4% of his passes, threw 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. That really seems like a lifetime ago. Was he just a one-season wonder? Will he even play against the Volunteers in week 12? Only one person can answer that question.

Will it be a Smart move to Bench Carson Beck against the Vols?

The greatest individual analyst has spoken on Georgia’s fate. “Do we really think Georgia’s offense is going to play well this week I don’t think so.” While Beck’s course hasn’t been flawless. He’s thrown some picks and made mistakes. But it’s not all on him. Yes, Beck needs to improve, especially in handling pressure, but the offense as a group needs to step up. Wide receivers need to sharpen their timing, the offensive line must hold strong, and the coaching staff needs to strategize better to protect their quarterback.

Amidst all of this, The Bulldogs master said, “Not happening,” about potentially benching the guy under immense speculation. Smart move or not time Nov 17 will tell, “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.” The HC said of his still QB1. Even some liftoff came from the opponent’s side, “He’s the key that turns the ignition for them on offense,” Vols coach Josh Heupel to cheer up Beck.

But what if the key gets lost?

While Klatt’s breakdown should help ease some of the heat on Beck, the Bulldogs’ path to victory relies on a full team effort.