Kirby Smart raves about Carson Beck’s debut as Georgia starter

Georgia rolled over Tennessee Martin as expected during Saturday’s season opener. It also served as Carson Beck‘s first start as the Bulldogs’ new starting quarterback, whose performance head coach Kirby Smart couldn’t say enough about after the game.

“I was very proud of Carson in his first start. I thought he had great composure. Really that was the epitome of every scrimmage he had,” Smart said after the 48-7 victory. “He threw the ball away when he had to, he hit spots when he had to, he made good decisions, he didn’t put us at risk, he made good checks.

“He did some really good things, and I’m proud of him. We’ve got to get some more help around him with weapons, get some guys healthy, but I’m proud of what he did. 

A slow start in the first half didn’t cost Georgia anything and Beck ended the game completing 21-of-31 passes for 294 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers.

Tight end Brock Bowers was Beck’s leading receiver with five receptions for 77 yards, while Mekhi Mews had Beck’s only touchdown — which came on a 54-yard reception, the longest of Beck’s career — of the night with 75 receiving yards to show for it. C.J. Smith and Rara Thomas combined for 113 yards as well to round out Beck’s top targets.

“I never thought he wasn’t comfortable. There was a poise about him,” Smart said. “There were really only two throws I wish he had back. The overthrow to Arian [Smith] that was really long and Arian got behind the defense. And then the third down but he should’ve executed that.” 

While overthrowing Smith didn’t hinder the game, the third-down execution is a bit more concerning. Overall, the Bulldogs finished the matchup 5-12 on third downs. That led to a fairly even time of possession, with Tennessee Martin nearly edging Georgia 30 minutes to UTM’s 39. Against an SEC opponent, those numbers would indicate more of an even score than Georgia’s eventual 41-point season-opening win.

Of course, Georgia isn’t going to concern itself nitpicking a five-plus touchdown victory and will move on to Ball State — who just lost to Kentucky 44-14 during Week 1 — as confident as ever. Week 3’s matchup against South Carolina will be more telling toward that despite the Gamecocks’ poor Week 1 showcase.

Kickoff vs. Ball State is set for Noon ET between the hedges live on the SEC Network.