Kirby Smart weighs in on Carson Beck's 'clutch gene' compared to Stetson Bennett

Stetson Bennett earned a lot of credit for helping Georgia win back-to-back national championships. Whenever he was needed, the quarterback seemingly came up with a clutch play. Whether it was at some point in the regular season or the playoff semifinal against Ohio State last year, Bennett certainly had the clutch gene.

Georgia now has Carson Beck running the show, getting off to a 5-0 start. Kirby Smart was asked if he believes Beck will have the same clutch gene as Bennett, something he pushed back on. Smart believes there are different levels to being clutch but it comes with having experience in pressure situations.

Beck will have the opportunity to grow as the 2023 season progresses.

“I do think that quarterbacks have moxy and presence,” Smart said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Everyone wants a quarterback that has that. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t. It’s not a trait you can identify really easily. It’s one you grow to. He’s got a lot of reps and growth under pressure and I think he handles that well.

“In terms of a clutch gene, there are probably ratings or stages of clutch, one to 10. I don’t know if it’s a gene that you have it or you don’t.”

Beck got his first true test of a pressure situation on Saturday, facing Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Georgia had to battle for a win and a statement drive from Beck (and Brock Bowers) got them out of there with the first SEC road win of the season.

Saturday against Kentucky will be another great test, even in front of the home crowd. It will mark the first ranked team Beck has faced this season. There is an argument for the SEC East being on the line and Georgia will need to walk out of Sanford Stadium with a big win.

As for Beck’s potential clutch level affecting Georgia winning a national championship this season, Smart is not willing to put the burden on one player. Winning three in a row will be based on the entire team, not just quarterback play.

“I don’t think we won the ones we one because of one position,” Smart said. “I mean, that position is a growth position and Stetson was certainly more experienced and better the second go-round than the first. Whether we do or don’t this year is not going to be just because of Carson Beck.”