Paul Finebaum believes Georgia can still win the College Football Playoff without Carson Beck

The latest reporting on Georgia QB Carson Beck suggests that he is likely to miss some, if not all, of the team’s appearance in the College Football Playoff. However, Paul Finebaum doesn’t think that ends the Bulldogs’ hopes of a national title.

Finebaum spoke about the chances in the playoff for the ‘Dawgs despite Beck’s probable absence on ‘Get Up’ on Friday. He said they are still very much in contention, especially with extra time to prepare their backup-turned-starter in Gunner Stockton for their quarterfinal in the Sugar Bowl.

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“It does not,” said Finebaum. “They’ve been prepared for this since the end of the SEC Championship. They knew Gunner Stockton would end up being the quarterback in the Sugar Bowl in two weeks. I think they’re okay.”

EJ Manuel agreed with Finebaum considering what Georgia still has as a team without Beck, especially on defense. With all of that, Stockton can be serviceable enough to help them advance in the bracket.

“Yeah, I completely agree,” said Manuel. “Georgia still has a great opportunity. They have an excellent defense, man. Going all the way back to little league? Defense still wins championships. So, ultimately, look. You bring in your backup quarterback in Gunner Stockton, who is not a scrub by any, you know, means of the word. He’s a good football player but he’s inexperienced. But I think the defense will still carry this football team, help them win, and have a good opportunity to get to that championship game.”

Following Beck’s exit during the SEC Championship in Atlanta, Stockton checked in to start the second half. He finished 12-16 (75%) for 71 yards and an interception. He also put himself out there with eight rushes. That effort helped Georgia to a 22-19 victory in overtime to secure a bye in the CFP.

The Bulldogs will have a harder time winning this national title than any other one. That’s so with an extra game in the playoff plus potentially being without Beck. Still, with all else they have as one of the best teams in the country, Finebaum and Manuel expect them to still be contending for a championship to start next month at the turn of the calendar.