Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is poised to thwart a potential upset from the Auburn Tigers. Unlike his predecessor, Stetson Bennett, who relied on grit and determination, Beck showcases the skills that could earn him a first-round draft pick.
Though that moment is still months away, Beck faces an Auburn team that seems desperate for a victory. The atmosphere may not be dire, but it feels like trouble is brewing rather than optimism.
**What Beck Brings to the Table**
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds, Beck navigates his progressions with ease. His arm talent can be assessed in three key areas. First, he demonstrates excellent touch on short throws, enabling yards after the catch. For intermediate passes, he connects with receivers in stride, minimizing the risk of dangerous throws.
Most crucially, he releases the ball quickly and with the right velocity. On deep throws, the Jacksonville native targets vertical receivers effectively. While his arm strength might not immediately impress on film, he is capable of making all necessary throws.
In his first four games, Beck has accumulated 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns against only three interceptions. He has a low tendency for risky throws, having thrown just six interceptions on 417 attempts last year. One of his touchdowns came against Auburn last season, where he managed 313 yards but only one touchdown.
In contrast, Auburn has already thrown nine interceptions this year on just 148 attempts.
**Auburn’s Strategy**
Auburn must direct their pass rush toward the interior. Beck transforms as a player when the pressure is in his face. Utilizing end/tackle games or looping edge rushers to focus pressure in the middle can yield significant benefits. Imagine Keldric Faulk breaking free to pressure him.
Moreover, Beck doesn’t typically play like a quarterback who escapes the pocket for yardage. He has run more this year but averages only 16 yards per game.
If Auburn needs to send additional rushers through the A gaps, they should do so. Disrupting Beck’s rhythm is essential for keeping the game competitive, and consistent pressure up the middle could provide an opportunity for an upset. Additionally, if Auburn can physically challenge Georgia’s receivers at the line of scrimmage, it could make Beck hesitant to attempt deep throws.
**Conclusion**
Carson Beck is likely to have a more successful professional career than Stetson Bennett. However, Bennett was a better fit for Georgia’s previous setup, which had stronger talent and a clearer identity. Under these conditions, this game doesn’t seem like a typical Georgia blowout.
If Auburn maintains defensive discipline, the game could become intriguing. While an Auburn victory isn’t expected, it’s quite possible that Beck won’t be the reason for their downfall.
