The connection between star quarterback Carson Beck and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson proved to be crucial against the Texas A&M Aggies and might remain that way for the Miami Hurricanes throughout the rest of the College Football Playoffs.
Carson Beck's decision to join the Miami Hurricanes through the transfer portal after four years with the Georgia Bulldogs has proven to be the best. In all 12 regular-season games, the redshirt quarterback completed 263 of 352 passes, 74.7 percent, for 3,072 yards, recording 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Despite a couple of bumps, also known as losses against the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs, the 23-year-old managed to help the program reach the College Football Playoffs for the first time ever. A year after undergoing UCL surgery in his right arm, Beck is cementing a legacy to finish his collegiate career.
In the final four games of the regular season, the two-time National Champion completed 89 of 112 passes, 79.5 percent, for 1,125 yards, recording 11 touchdowns and one meaningless interception. It was a great response from him and the Hurricanes, who were originally on the outside looking in the 12-team bracket until responding to adversity perfectly.
However, Beck isn't the only reason behind the Hurricanes' strong offense; also in his ear is offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. He credited the veteran quarterback's communication about running the ball more against the Texas A&M Aggies, which played a massive role in the team's success.
"Obviously, it takes time to build any type of relationship, bond, or trust," Beck said. "Which is ultimately the biggest thing when it comes to an offensive coordinator and a quarterback. That trust for me to him and then him to me as well because there's things from his vantage point on the sidelines that I don't see the same. It's important that we communicate and talk to each other while we're out there."
The Jacksonville native initiated the plan to run the ball more in the second half against the Aggies, which later resulted in a Mark Fletcher Jr. 56-yard rush, then a Malachi Toney game-winning touchdown.
It's those little things that matter, especially as the Hurricanes seek to make a push for the National Championship. They're set to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Quarterfinals, at Arlington, Texas, on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31st, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Maintaining that professional relationship on the field will be crucial, especially when things are going right offensively, as shown against the Aggies. It's going to be a difficult journey, but as long as the Hurricanes stay strong, the chances of them conquering the world of college football get higher.
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