The Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback room was thrust into uncertainty after Carson Beck underwent season-ending elbow surgery. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart discussed the current situation under center ahead of the Sugar Bowl and made it clear that the Bulldogs aren’t finished just because their starting quarterback is sidelined.
Georgia has once again found itself in the College Football Playoffs, posting an 11-2 record and earning the No. 2 ranking in the nation. Making good on that mark without Beck will define the Bulldogs’ title hopes.
Kirby Smart Praises Carson Beck’s Backups
In an interview ahead of the bowl game, Smart explained how he has been impressed with the quarterback room despite Beck’s injury. Much of his praise revolved around the urgency with which his passers have approached the adversity.
“They’ve done a great job,” Smart said.
“I’ve been very pleased with both of those guys. I think they’ve embraced the role, and understand that it’s just a lot more urgent now. I’m proud of what they’re doing.”
Before the injury, Beck had thrown for 3,485 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. A year after leading the SEC in passing yards (3,941) and tossing 24 touchdowns to six interceptions, Beck’s production took a step back. His NFL Draft stock followed suit.
Even so, operating with a backup quarterback is less than ideal during the stiff competition of the College Football Playoffs. Georgia’s ability to overcome adversity could define its attempt to secure a third title in four years.
Georgia vs. Notre Dame Sugar Bowl Preview
On Jan. 2, the Bulldogs will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the one-loss Fighting Irish promise to pack a punch, threatening Georgia’s standing as a championship-caliber team.
Both programs have stars on both sides of the football poised to be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. In College Football Network’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, EDGE Mykel Williams was the highest-drafted Georgia prospect, coming off the board at No. 8 to the New York Jets.
MORE: Take the CFN Mock Draft Simulator for a spin!
“Mykel Williams is a versatile and dominant presence on the edge, bringing unmatched value to the Jets’ defensive scheme,” Cam Mellor wrote. “He thrives as both a pure edge rusher and a disruptive force across the defensive front, exploiting mismatches to alter games. With raw power and an explosive first step, he consistently overpowers linemen and creates chaos in the backfield.”
He’ll be tasked with stopping Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. With 1,057 rushing yards and 16 rushing scores on the year, he headlines a high-powered rushing attack that could punish Georgia if its backup plans under center go awry.
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