The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide faces a tough challenge this week as they host the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in their conference opener. Both teams are unbeaten, but Georgia comes in as the favorite, thanks to a stout defense, an established coaching staff, and an experienced quarterback.
Redshirt senior Carson Beck, who entered the season as a Heisman contender and potential top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, has been impressive. In just three games, he’s thrown for 680 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception.
“Carson Beck is one of the best quarterbacks in college football right now,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. “He’s incredibly efficient, doesn’t take many sacks, rarely turns the ball over, and has great accuracy in the intermediate passing game. His quick release and decision-making are really top-notch. I’ve watched a lot of his games, and I’m really impressed by what I see.”
While Beck’s yardage ranks just 79th nationally, his efficiency, decision-making, and accuracy make him a dangerous threat. He’s completing 68 percent of his passes without a single interception, placing him as the 24th most efficient passer in the country.
“As an offense, they do a great job protecting their quarterback,” Wommack added. “They get the ball out quickly, establish the run, and take early shots downfield. Beck can make throws all over the field—short, intermediate, and long. He’s a complete quarterback. For us, the key will be making him uncomfortable without compromising our coverage.”
In last year’s SEC Championship Game, Beck completed 21 of 29 passes for 243 yards against Alabama but fell short, ending Georgia’s hopes for a third consecutive national title. Beck will be looking to avenge that loss this Saturday, and Alabama knows they need to be even sharper to stop him.
