JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's not a hot take to say it's been a rough season for quarterback Carson Beck.
Beck, who was projected as a possible No. 1 overall pick and Heisman candidate, has not played up to that level. In 2023, he completed 72.4% of his passes, threw 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions, which feels like a lifetime away.
Through just five games, Beck has thrown a whopping 11 interceptions, which is nearly double from last year. That total includes games against Alabama, Texas and Florida, where he threw three picks.
He's completed just over 50% of his passes this season in two games already, and his total completion percentage is nearly 10% lower from last season. While some receiver drops have also affected this number, Beck's inaccuracy still stands out this season.
"A lot of it comes down to me, honestly," Beck said after the Florida game. "Just in my preparation, which I feel like I prepare well, but there's just certain situations in games where maybe I try to make a play that doesn't need to be made. Maybe it's a throwaway instead of trying to force something and just moving on to the next play. I think it really comes down to me at the end of the day."
Beck's placement has just been off. The fifth-year senior hasn't been particularly accurate this season. Many of his passes have been behind or above his targets, and his stats have reflected that.
Despite the myriad of bad plays Beck has shown this season, it hasn't been void of impressive moments. Head coach Kirby Smart, more so than anybody, has preached that while there have been struggles for his quarterback, he's also seen plenty of high moments.
"Some of the throws he makes are big-time, elite throws," Smart said. "He just has a couple of times where he threw the ball over the middle late. You can't do that. You can't turn the ball over and be a good football team. He knows that."
Smart's comment isn't without merit. Beck, aside from his game against Texas, consistently finds a way to turn a corner in the second half.
Against Alabama, he completed 47% of his passes for 100 yards and two interceptions after the first half. He finished the game completing 54% of his passes and threw for 439 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Against Florida, he completed 52% of his passes for 167 yards and two interceptions after the first half. He finished the game completing 62.5% of his passes and threw for 309 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
"Well, I mean, he did some really good things," Smart said. "Some things go unnoticed. What he can't do is throw the ball late over the middle, and we've got to do a better job protecting him... He's always been smart. He'll take off and run or he'll just throw it away and live for another day."
The season is far from lost, though. The Bulldogs still have plenty of opportunities to reach the postseason and even the SEC Championship. However, Beck playing well against top 25 teams like Tennessee and Ole Miss will be key to getting there, and his teammates know how important it is to keep Beck in a good spot mentally.
"Keep his head up," Bell said. "You gotta keep him positive because you don't want to throw an extra ball. You don't want your quarterback to be down, especially in a big, tight game."
Beck has shown a surprising amount of honesty in his struggles. He hasn't shied away from the myriad of issues that's plagued his game this season. Whether it was him saying "we really didn't get stopped unless I turned the ball over," or his further comments about his play, Beck showed honesty after a tough game.
That doesn't mean Beck will suddenly turn a corner, nor does it mean Beck will turn into the best quarterback in college football. But it means that he's aware, just as aware as the Georgia fans calling for his job, which may be key in getting himself to play at a high level.
The Jacksonville native has a lot to work through after a disappointing performance in his hometown, but Smart certainly believes in him, and time will tell if Beck believes in himself to get it done.
“I’m not feeling any pressure. I’m here to win, but at the end of the day, it’s a bottom-line business," Beck said. "I want to go throw a perfect game...Like, 30-40, four touchdowns. I mean, that's what I was thinking about walking into the stadium."