As Georgia prepares to face Tennessee next weekend, an awkward quarterback situation is brewing in Athens that could have significant implications for the Bulldogs’ hopes of defending their national title.
Georgia’s quarterback room has been one of the most stable in college football for the past few years, largely due to the leadership of Stetson Bennett. Bennett, a two-time national champion, played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ success and left big shoes to fill when he graduated. Heading into 2024, the Bulldogs were expected to lean on sophomore Carson Beck as their new starting signal caller, a transition that seemed poised to be seamless given Beck’s experience backing up Bennett and his apparent talent.Â
However, as the season has unfolded, Georgia’s quarterback situation has become less straightforward. While Beck has put up decent numbers, his performance has at times been uneven. The Bulldogs’ offense, although still potent, has not looked as sharp or as dynamic as it did under Bennett’s leadership, and some fans and analysts have begun to question whether Beck is truly the answer at the position.Â
In addition, the emergence of freshman Brock Vandagriff has added fuel to the fire. Vandagriff, who was highly regarded as a top-tier recruit, has looked promising in limited opportunities, showcasing impressive mobility and arm strength. There have been whispers about whether Georgia could eventually pivot to Vandagriff as the starter, particularly if Beck continues to struggle or if the offense doesn’t find its rhythm as the stakes get higher.
Enter Tennessee, a team that has had its own quarterback drama this season. The Volunteers began the year with veteran Joe Milton III at the helm, but his inconsistent play has led to calls for backup Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted freshman, to get more time under center. Milton’s struggles have been well-documented, and Tennessee fans are eager to see if Iamaleava can provide a spark for the offense.
This creates an intriguing parallel between the two programs, both of which have significant quarterback questions heading into their clash. For Georgia, the uncertainty around Beck’s future could lead to a controversial decision regarding who starts next weekend. If Beck continues to underperform, coach Kirby Smart may have to decide whether to stick with him, hoping that he’ll grow into the role, or take the risk of inserting Vandagriff to shake things up. Similarly, Tennessee faces a dilemma in how to handle Milton and Iamaleava, with many wondering if the Vols would be better served by giving the freshman a chance to lead the offense against the Bulldogs’ top-ranked defense.
The awkwardness of the quarterback situation is compounded by the high stakes of the matchup. Tennessee, still smarting from last year’s lopsided defeat to Georgia, is hoping to knock off the defending champions and prove they belong in the upper echelon of the SEC. For Georgia, a loss could open the door for rivals like Alabama or LSU to overtake them in the conference standings, adding pressure on Smart to make the right call at quarterback.
Ultimately, the outcome of next weekend’s game could hinge on which team’s quarterback situation is able to find stability and rhythm. Whether it’s Beck, Vandagriff, Milton, or Iamaleava, both teams are entering the game with uncertainty under center. This makes Georgia’s upcoming encounter with Tennessee one of the more intriguing and unpredictable matchups of the season.
