Bowers' Injury Sparks Beck's Heisman Campaign

Without Brock Bowers available, Carson Beck still eclipsed 300 yards in a blowout win over Florida.

Carson Beck didn't have anything to prove to the Georgia faithful Saturday in his home town of Jacksonville. Georgia's redshirt junior quarterback already had over 2,100 yards in seven games with a 73.0 completion percentage.

However, with Mackey Award-winning tight end Brock Bowers out with an injury, Beck did have something to prove to a national audience who had largely dismissed him and his stats. Was Beck the real deal, or was Bowers just "bailing him out?" 

Saturday presented the perfect scene for him. Beck's homecoming as the starting quarterback for the first time against a 5-2 and optimistic Florida Gator team. Of course, without his best target available. High-pressure, high-stakes, no problem for Georgia's newest star quarterback.

Beck made his childhood favorite team succumb to his will, going 19-of-28 through the air with 315 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Bowers' absence had little effect on Beck as he completed passes to eight different receivers and never came close to throwing an interception.

Whatever doubters were left are now silent if not won over. Beck checked off every box. He completed some tough passes with excellent accuracy. His lob to Ladd McConkey on Georgia's first possession couldn't have been thrown any better. Two more throws to McConkey came with defenders in the area, and not only were the throws on the money, he led McConkey to major yards-after-catch opportunities.

TE Brock Bowers enters the injury tent vs Vanderbilt / PHOTO - Brooks Austin  / Brooks Austin

Georgia's offense was incredibly efficient, scoring five touchdowns and two field goals while not suffering any procedural penalties. The only penalties Georgia incurred were planned delay of game calls to help the punter. He kept negative plays to a minimum and didn't even suffer a sack. On top of that spotless performance, Georgia won 43-20, extending its winning streak to a whopping 25 games. 

After weeks of the "Bowers for Heisman" campaign, perhaps it's time to shift gears toward "Beck for Heisman." He currently has 2,462 yards on the year and should clear 3,600 by the end of the regular season at his current pace. His lack of passing touchdowns could hurt his odds the same way it hurt Stetson Bennett's last year. 

Sure, he doesn't have the "Mailman's" flash and flair, but he's a prototypical NFL quarterback enjoying immense statistical success while also leading his team to victories. He's led four-quartering slaughterings and second-half comebacks. Heck, Georgia has trailed in half of its games this season and Beck hasn't waivered once.

Meanwhile, the defending Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams suffered a two-game losing streak at Southern California. Florida State's Jordan Travis and Washington's Michael Penix are more than worthy challengers, who will potentially be at the Heisman ceremony, but Carson Beck is proving that he belongs on that stage with them.

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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