Georgia Football: Can Carson Beck lead Bulldogs in Week 2?

Fresh off a huge victory against then-third ranked Clemson, Georgia football returns to Athens where a packed Sanford Stadium awaits them, while being led by a new starting QB perhaps.

Georgia football earned one of the biggest wins in the Kirby Smart era last week, as it defeated then No. 3 ranked Clemson football 10-3 in an old school defensive battle. This week, they aren’t playing a ranked team, but they might have to do so without their starting quarterback.

Reports surfaced this week that quarterback JT Daniels is dealing with a minor oblique injury. Though the injury is minor and no official statement has been made, it’s likely we’ll see Georgia’s No. 2 QB Carson Beck get a majority of the playing time against UAB before the Dawgs go back to Daniels next week for their SEC opener against South Carolina.

Who is Carson Beck?

Beck was a four star prospect out of Jacksonville, FL last year, and actually enrolled early at UGA in January 2020. In 2018, he was named the USA Today Florida Offensive Player of the Year, and in his senior year, he was one touchdown pass shy from breaking the FHSAA record for most in a state championship game.

He played in one game last season against Missouri, but only handed the ball off in the remaining minutes of the 4th quarter.

How might he perform against UAB?

Coach Kirby Smart praised his maturity over the course of the offseason after the Georgia football spring game:

"“I’m pleased with his progress. I think he got better…Carson didn’t always have the focus he needed last year as a freshman in terms of preparation, academics, on the field, off the field, in the meeting room. Now since we started this spring, he’s taken notes, he’s got command of it better. He’s doing better academically in the classroom. He’s trying to take a step forward and do some good things.”"

In that spring game, Beck was 22-for-31 with 236 yards and two touchdown passes:

(Video via “The Dawg Bark” YouTube channel).

Fellow Bulldog teammate and wide receiver Ladd McConkey had praise for Beck’s ability via Dawg Nation:

"“He’s smart and gets you in the right play…he’s got really good arm strength. He’s really worked on his athleticism to where he’s sneaky athletic.”"

If there was a perfect time for Beck to showcase his abilities, it’s this game against UAB. If we were facing Clemson or another top 10 ranked opponent this week, Daniels might gut out the start for Georgia.

Either way, the Dawgs have some great depth at the Quarterback position, and fans shouldn’t be all that concerned heading into this Saturday Between the Hedges.