The Miami Hurricanes need Carson Beck to be at his very best for the College Football Playoffs to have a chance of moving forward.
The Miami Hurricanes have all the momentum on their side after closing the regular season on a four-game dominating winning streak. A crucial piece for the late success was Carson Beck elevating his performance and impact. He completed 89 of 112 passes, 79.5 percent, for 1,1245 yards, recording 11 touchdowns and one interception.
The redshirt senior earned third-team All-ACC honors, including semi-finalist honors for Comeback Player of the Year, alongside linebacker Mohamed Toure.
Unlike the Hurricanes, Beck has College Football Playoff experience throughout his tenure with the Georgia Bulldogs and was a member of the 2021 and 2022 National Championship teams. However, this time, the ball will be in his hand while on the field.
After suffering a UCL injury last season in the SEC championship game, which required surgical repair, it took Beck nearly a full year to reach full form once again. The timing couldn't be more perfect for the Hurricanes, who will face the Texas A&M Aggies at College Station, Texas. It will be crucial for him to continue his high-quality performance to pull off an upset.
Beck showed in the regular season matchups against the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs that there's another side to the 23-year-old star. In both games, he recorded two touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Aggies recorded 41 total sacks throughout the regular season, which is tied for first in the nation, alongside the Oklahoma Sooners. It's going to be crucial for the Hurricanes' offensive linemen to protect Beck and prevent serious pressure, which could lead to self-inflicting mistakes. When he's comfortable and confident, it leads to good results offensively.
The Hurricanes are also among the best in the nation in giving up the least amount of sacks throughout the regular season, 11. That high level of protection will be crucial for the team's chances.
In football, the successes and failures start with the quarterback. It took a Hail Mary for the Hurricanes to reach the College Football Playoffs after weeks of controversy and debates with the Selection Committee, but the stage is set. They'll have nearly two weeks to prepare for battle in a hostile environment.
Beck has a chance to accomplish something great and cement himself in program history: win a College Football Playoff game as a Hurricane.
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