2 weeks Ago
The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) are in the midst of a defensive battle against the Florida Gators (4-3) in Jacksonville, and UGA fans have a request for Kirby Smart and his staff. The Bulldogs entered the game as comfortable 14.
5-point favorites ( ESPN BET ) over Billy Napier's Gators. Georgia has won six of the last seven in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, including three straight. Georgia took care of previously No.
1 ranked Texas in Week 8 and was expected to roll past Florida with two top 25 matchups left on the slate. But after one half of action, the Dawgs have found themselves trailing 13-6 and without a touchdown against a Florida defense that is allowing 26.3 points per game.
Bulldog fans are not happy with the offensive performance thus far, specifically the play of star quarterback Carson Beck, who threw two interceptions in the first two quarters. The senior now has 10 interceptions in the last five games after throwing just six in 14 games last season. Georgia fans want a change behind center.
John David Mercer-Imagn Images "Dawgs giving the game away," a Georgia fan wrote . "Beck is not right. Give another QB a chance.
6 pts is pathetic against Florida." "Let Gunner get a series," another responded . "Sit Beck," one suggested .
" Beck is backed up by redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton, who has made two appearances this season. The former four-star has completed 10-of-12 passes for 90 yards. "Beck has ghosts chasing him and he isn’t comfortable in the pocket," one wrote .
...
Have to give Gunnar a chance." One Georgia fan believes it's difficult to make a change at the position with Beck's NIL value. According to On3, Beck holds an NIL valuation of $1.
8 million , the eighth highest in the sport. "Hard to change much when you're paying a guy to start at QB," one responded . Beck put on a stellar performance in his first year as a starter in 2023, finishing third in the country in passing yards (3,941) while leading UGA to a 13-1 record.
"What happened to 2023 Beck?," another wrote . But Beck has struggled mightily with ball security in his final season. As a result, Georgia is in a serious fight in Jacksonville and fans are voicing their displeasure.
"Beck is dragging this team down," one wrote . "No spark on either side of the ball." "Think it’s time for the Beck era in Athens to come to an end," another suggested .
The Bulldogs will have plenty of opportunities to tighten things up in the second half. On the other hand, Florida is missing star quarterback DJ Lagway after he suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter and was carted off the field. Florida will rely on Yale transfer Aiden Warner, while Beck attempts to clean up his glaring mistakes.
The game is airing on ABC. Related: Florida Fans Erupt Against Ex-Player Before Georgia Game.
