The positive news for the Georgia Bulldogs is that they have a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff, meaning they only need to win one less game than eight other teams in the CFP field to secure the national championship.
The downside, however, is that they may have to achieve that national title without their starting quarterback.
Carson Beck suffered a shoulder injury on the final play of the SEC Championship game, when he tried a desperation throw from near midfield, and his throwing arm was hit by Texas linebacker Trey Moore.
Although Georgia had hoped to have him back after the Sugar Bowl, where they’ll face the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame versus No. 10 Indiana, reports suggest that Beck’s recovery is not improving. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports recently reported that UGA is preparing to play the CFP without Beck.
“Can confirm via sources that Carson is expected to miss the remainder of the season and that Gunner Stockton is set to be Georgia’s starting QB in the College Football Playoff,” Zenitz wrote.
“Carson hasn’t been with the team and has spent the past couple of weeks consulting with several doctors, including one in Texas and one in California, to determine the best treatment for his elbow injury from the SEC title game.”
Beck has been Georgia’s starting quarterback for all 13 games this season, ranking eighth nationally in touchdown passes (28) and ninth in passing yards (3,485).
In contrast, Stockton has played in only seven games over two seasons, totaling 354 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The 6-foot-1 sophomore completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and an interception in relief of Beck during the SEC Championship, although he helped lead the Bulldogs to two touchdowns and two field goals in the second half and overtime.
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