The excitement of the 2024 College Football Playoff is upon us, with the quarterfinals set to unfold in just a couple of days. The Sugar Bowl will feature a thrilling matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame, where Georgia enters the game as a slight 1.5-point favorite. However, the Bulldogs are facing a significant challenge that could impact their playoff aspirations.
The quarterback dilemma for Georgia
The primary focus for Georgia as they prepare for this crucial game is their quarterback situation. Carson Beck, the starting quarterback, suffered an elbow injury during the SEC title game against Texas, which forced him to leave the field. Although he made a brief return for one play, he did not participate in the second half, raising concerns about his availability for the playoffs.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the news only got worse. On December 23, Beck announced that he underwent season-ending surgery to repair the damage to his elbow. Just days later, on December 28, he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, officially marking the end of his time on the field for this season. This leaves Georgia scrambling to adjust their game plan without their starting quarterback.
Gunner Stockton steps into the spotlight
With Beck sidelined, Georgia will turn to his backup, redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton. This will be a significant moment for Stockton, as he prepares to make his first start for the Bulldogs. A former 4-star recruit from the class of 2022, Stockton has spent the last three seasons learning behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck. While he has seen limited action in games, the upcoming matchup against Notre Dame will be a true test of his abilities.
In his previous outing against Texas, Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards, but he also threw an interception. He has accumulated 37 completions for 354 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions throughout his career at Georgia. The pressure is on for Stockton to deliver under the bright lights of the Sugar Bowl.
Understanding Beck’s injury
The injury that sidelined Beck has been characterized as a right elbow injury, specifically affecting his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This type of injury is common among quarterbacks and can be quite serious. According to reports, Beck’s arm was hit while attempting to throw a deep pass against Texas, leading to the damage that required surgical intervention.
Georgia announced that Beck underwent surgery with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Dr. ElAttrache is well-known in the sports world, having treated high-profile athletes like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. His expertise gives Georgia fans hope that Beck’s recovery will be successful, even if it comes too late for this season.
What does recovery look like for Beck?
As Beck embarks on his recovery journey, the timeline for his return to football is crucial. According to Georgia, Beck is expected to resume throwing in the spring. This timeline could potentially align him with the NFL scouting combine in 2025, scheduled for February 27 to March 2 in Indianapolis, or with his school’s Pro Day later in March.
The question remains: how will this impact Georgia’s playoff run? With a talented backup like Gunner Stockton stepping in, the Bulldogs will need to adapt quickly. The team’s success will depend on how well Stockton can manage the offense and lead his teammates in this high-stakes environment.
Looking ahead to the Sugar Bowl
As the Bulldogs prepare for their matchup against Notre Dame, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The absence of Carson Beck is a significant blow, but it also presents an opportunity for Gunner Stockton to showcase his skills on a national stage. Can he rise to the occasion and help propel Georgia into the next round of the playoffs?
The Sugar Bowl promises to be an electrifying contest, with both teams eager to prove themselves. Georgia’s defense will also play a pivotal role in this game, as they look to support their new quarterback and keep the Fighting Irish at bay.
As fans gear up for this thrilling playoff showdown, the question lingers: will Georgia’s depth and resilience be enough to overcome the loss of their starting quarterback? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this game will be one for the ages.
