Carson Beck’s season doesn’t quite warrant any individual honors. However, he does irrefutably hold one title- The most polarizing man in Athens. The narrative around Carson changes continually. One Saturday, he’s got an NFL ceiling; the next, he should be benched for Gunner Stockton. Amidst the skepticism, he’s bestowed a vote of confidence by way of a former Georgia great.

The notion around the SEC championship game on the weekend is pretty unanimous. Texas’ secondary will afford Carson Beck nothing to work with. The Longhorns’ pass defense is arguably the best in the country and is coming off shutting out Texas A&M in their own backyard. Hence, the key lies with Carson’s execution from under centre. David Pollack believes he can muster not just a win in Atlanta on Saturday but maybe a return trip in January.

In a breakdown of the Georgia-Texas matchup, Pollack brought across the upturn in production and, more importantly, the mitigation of turnovers for Carson over recent weeks. “First 3 games [for] Beck- 7 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. The next 6 games for Beck- 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. The last 3- 11 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. So of late, the last three games, he’s really [controlled] the turnover bug. They’ve been able to make plays.”, he said. This trend could even be construed to suggest a disastrous game is due. However, Pollack gave his reasons for believing in Carson Beck.

Pollack said something which suggests that Carson has flicked a proverbial switch in his mind.“[Carson’s] number 1 and number 2 goals were to win a Heisman and to be a first-round draft pick. Honestly, I think when those get lifted off of your shoulders, your next goal is to win a Natty. I think you can play more free. I think Beck is playing more free because of that and [is] more inclined to let it rip, more inclined to run [and] not slide. I’ve seen a lot of things from him that [are] very different.”, he said.

This iteration of the Georgia Bulldogs’ team is a far cry from previous years under Kirby Smart. You still wouldn’t put it past them to click into gear. December is when Georgia comes into their own. Although there is tangible reasoning to suggest this playoff run will not be as fruitful as previous ones, at least they’re in it after last seasons’ heartbreak. One thing is for certain- no coach wants to line his team up on the gridiron opposite the Bulldogs. Not even Steve Sarkisian, especially in a not-so-neutral setting.

Proximity to Atlanta may not be as big an advantage for UGA against the Longhorns

The SEC Championship Games’ tenancy at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium coincided very aptly with Georgia. The Dawgs have become perennial contenders in the Kirby Smart era. The short trip from Athens to Atlanta has become a bit of a modern tradition. While last year’s ritual ended rather unceremoniously vs Alabama, another season provides another opportunity.

Fans will paint the stands in a sea of red. However, playing in a difficult, intimidating environment is not something that daunts Texas. Their escapades in College Station last weekend are evidence of that. Quinn Ewers will likely not be able to get away with his red zone troubles undeterred at the Mercedes-Benz as he did at Kyle Field. Similarly to Carson Beck, a lot of the onus for his team lies on his shoulder or arm rather.

With the backing of a legend such as David Pollack, Carson needs to perhaps earn his stripes by bringing some silverware back to Athens. An opportunity to warm himself to the fanbase ahead of his first playoff run as a starter beckons. Like his predecessor did, only a National Championship will truly be enough.