Georgia’s playoff hopes remain on thin ice following their 22-19 overtime triumph against Texas in the SEC Championship. Despite clinching the victory, they find themselves in a precarious situation, as concerns loom over their offensive reliability. The entry of backup quarterback Gunner Stockton provided some relief, but injuries and a wide receiver unit plagued by dropped passes raise numerous doubts. To mount a legitimate playoff campaign, Georgia must step up and demonstrate their ability to prevail in both high-scoring shootouts and gritty, hard-fought battles.

Georgia’s quarterback issue has again started creating problems for the team. Last week during their game against the Longhorns, Dawgs star QB1 Carson Beck injured his right elbow while making a throw due to a hit, but then Gunner stepped up to save the day, and there are chances that he might continue if Beck’s condition is not improving. However, Joel Klatt thinks that Carson Beck’s exit from the team could be a major reason behind the Bulldogs’ failure to win a title this season saying,

“The supporting cast around the quarterback at Georgia has not been strong. Georgia’s wide receiver corps has led the country in drops this year. It’s been one of the reasons why Beck hasn’t had a great statistical season. Now, you’re going to replace Beck with a backup quarterback and think that that level of play is going to somehow get better? I just can’t get on board with that. I really can’t.” Gunner might be good, but Beck is a beast. He is not only an alleged no. 1 draft pick this season, but with all the inconsistencies, he has thrown more touchdowns (28-24) this season than his last season and helped in the team’s overall standing this year.

Despite all the frustration surrounding Carson Beck’s return, head coach Kirby Smart persisted in supporting him. When Beck was facing pressure regarding the starting position the coach, Kirby ruled it all out with his immense belief in him. Moreover, he idolized Beck, commending his sound judgment and consistent work on the offensive line. But now, with Gunner in his position, it will be interesting to see if it’s a blessing or a disguise for the team.

Is Kirby Smart’s Georgia in a better position?

Well, unlike Joel Klatt, who thinks Carson Beck’s injury might affect the Bulldogs’ playoff chances, famous media personality and former quarterback Adam Breneman thinks that Coach Smart’s team might be in a better position with backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. While talking about Beck’s uncertainty of returning to the game, Breneman said, “I do think they’re a better offense with Stockton in there than they have been with Carson Beck.” There is no doubt that Carson Beck has his struggled to maintain consistency in the game this season with his problems with the turnovers, but you can also not ignore the fact that Beck will always remain the more experienced guy than Gunner, who took his team through various wins too.

Moreover, relying completely on Gunner Stockton is also not a smart decision. The Dawgs have had their struggles in the season with their offensive line inconsistency, but when you win 2 titles in 3 years, it automatically brings your performance into the eyes of the fans and critics. There are also people like Jason Fitz, who believes that Carson Beck out of Georgia’s picture is not good news for them, as he bluntly claims his doubts on their victory, saying, “Of all the teams that are sitting on bye, the one I’m least confident in is actually Georgia.” 

Now this week Georgia is enjoying their bye and will probably face either Notre Dame or Indiana in the quarterfinals. Till then, let’s hope the team actually figures out a way to victory.