An Alarming History of Georgia Quarterbacks Making Their First Start Against Florida

How have Kirby Smart led quarterbacks preformed in their first start against the Florida Gators?

For the first time in nearly three years, a Georgia quarterback will be making his first appearance in "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" better known as the Georgia-Florida game.

In his first season as Georgia's starting quarterback Carson Beck has performed tremendously. Completing over 70% of his passes and already having thrown for over 2,000 yards, Beck will look to continue his high output against a Florida team that has struggled throughout the 2023 season. 

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during Georgia’s game against UAB on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

While the Bulldogs will head into this game as heavy favorites, rivalry games are almost always a challenge. Especially for quarterbacks who have yet to play in a game of this magnitude. Here is how other Kirby Smart quarterbacks have faired in their first start against one of Georgia's most hated rivals.

Jacob Eason (2016)

Jacob Eason's first and only start against Florida would be one to forget. While the at-the-time freshman took relatively good care of the ball. He completed just 15 of his 33 passes for only 143 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs would be outmatched throughout the day as they fell to the Gators 24-10.

Jake Fromm (2017)

The outcome of this year's game was vastly different than the two teams meeting in 2016. However, freshman Jake Fromm's role in the Bulldogs' 42-7 victory was minimal, to say the least. Fromm attempted only seven passes on the day and tallied 101 yards through the air and one touchdown. The Georgia quarterback would have a much more prominent role in contests moving forward.

Stetson Bennett (2020)

Despite the fact that Bennett would eventually reach legendary status as Georgia's quarterback, The Mailman's first appearance against Florida was nothing short of disastrous. Bennett completed a meek five of his 16 pass attempts for just 78 yards and one touchdown. It would be his last start of the 2020 season as he would be benched for JT Daniels for the remainder of the season.

While this trend of past performances could certainly be alarming to Georgia fans (especially given the recent Brock Bowers news), dawg fans should take solace in the fact that Beck, despite being in his first year as a starter has been a member of the Bulldogs' program for four years now and will likely be more than ready to face the Gators this Saturday.

Other Georgia News:

• Georgia's Remaining Schedule - Who Could Be The Troublesome Game?
• Player Profile: How Can Oscar Delp Contribute to Georgia's Success?
• Reminder of What Georgia Has With Delp, Luckie, and Spurlin

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