Georgia is not out of the playoff hunt yet, even with two losses. The Bulldogs’ 7-2 record matches their loss total from the previous three seasons combined. However, one glaring weakness has marred their season: Carson Beck’s turnover issues. If Georgia wants to make it to the College Football Playoff, Beck needs to fix these problems as soon as possible.
More than halfway through the season, Beck has thrown six more interceptions than he did during the entirety of the 2023 season. This alarming trend has significantly impacted Georgia’s offensive productivity. In the Bulldogs’ two losses to Ole Miss and Alabama, Beck has had multiple turnovers, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
What’s wrong with Carson Beck?
While pinpointing a specific reason for Beck’s struggles is difficult, he had to replace his three favorite targets from last year. Tight end Brock Bowers and receivers Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint are now in the NFL, leaving Beck without the reliable connections he once had. Georgia’s two leading receivers in 2024, Arian Smith and Dominic Lovett, haven’t matched the production of their predecessors. To make matters worse, Georgia leads the nation in dropped passes.
Two of Beck’s expected targets are also nowhere in the picture. RaRa Thomas was dismissed following an arrest for multiple family violence charges, while Colbie Young was suspended after his arrest on misdemeanor charges of battery and assault on an unborn child. Without consistent receivers, Beck is struggling to settle into his normal rhythm.
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay noted on his podcast, "He’s not the same guy. I don’t know the why behind it. The product on the field shows me a quarterback that desperately misses the comfort level of Ladd McConkey and misses the security blanket of Brock Bowers."
Another glaring issue for Georgia’s offense is the lack of a consistent run game. Last season, the Bulldogs averaged 191.21 rushing yards per game, but they now rank an abysmal 104th in the same category for 2024. Coincidentally, Georgia sits between Georgia Southern (103rd) and Georgia State (105th). This regression puts additional pressure on Beck, forcing him to air it out more than he did last season.
After the loss to Ole Miss, Beck expressed his frustration with the run game, stating, "It’s not about how I play but how we play. Our identity is to run the ball. We just weren’t able to do that tonight." He emphasized the need for explosive plays in the passing game, saying, "Somebody has to step up and make a play whenever we’re not able to run the ball comfortably."
Upcoming challenges for Georgia
The Dawgs have three games remaining against Tennessee, UMass, and Georgia Tech. If they want to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt, winning against Tennessee on Saturday will be critical. The Vols’ defense has eight interceptions this season, while UMass has four. Georgia Tech has only two interceptions this year, but the Bulldogs must be cautious.
Beck’s total of 12 interceptions is tied with several quarterbacks for the 2024 season, marking the most thrown by an SEC player since Matt Corral in 2020. His performance against Ole Miss marked his fifth time in six games with multiple turnovers, which is simply unacceptable for a quarterback of his caliber. Here’s a breakdown of his turnover-heavy games:
- Week 5 vs. Alabama: Three interceptions, one fumble
- Week 7 vs. Mississippi State: Two interceptions
- Week 8 vs. Texas: Three interceptions
- Week 10 vs. Florida: Three interceptions
- Week 11 vs. Ole Miss: One interception, one fumble
If Beck can figure out how to get his turnover issues fixed and help lead Georgia to a playoff berth, he could regain the trust of Bulldog fans. However, more of the same from him likely won’t cut it.
Comparing the numbers: 2023 vs. 2024
Beck entered 2024 as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But the regression so far this season is jarring. Just look at his numbers from last year compared to his 2024 stats:
| Year | Comp-Att | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
| 2023 | 302-417 | 3,941 | 24 | 6 | 167.9 |
| 2024 | 210-321 | 2,488 | 17 | 12 | 140.5 |
Unsurprisingly, the unit has regressed as a whole in 2024. Georgia’s offense ranks just 50th overall in total offense and is 48th in scoring offense (30.6 PPG) this season. Last year, the Bulldogs finished in the top five in both categories.
Georgia’s running backs have also struggled this year, contributing to the offensive woes. Here’s how they stack up:
- Trevor Etienne: 477 yards on 95 carries with seven touchdowns, averaging 59.63 yards per game
- Nate Frazier: 333 yards on 72 carries with three touchdowns, averaging 41.63 yards per game
- Dillon Bell: 104 yards on seven carries with one touchdown, averaging 11.56 yards per carry
- Brandon Robinson: 73 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns, averaging 12.17 yards per game
If the Dawgs can address these issues and Beck can regain his form, they still have a shot at the playoffs. The clock is ticking, and every moment counts as they push toward the postseason.
