Conquering adversity and injury, Carson Beck guides the Miami Hurricanes' improbable playoff run. He thrives under pressure, transforming his team's destiny with clutch playmaking.
The Miami Hurricanes' clock winds down for gameday as they prepare to take the field in the Vrbo Fiesta Semifinals, facing another SEC program, the Ole Miss Rebels. The program is reaching new heights, as quarterback Carson Beck continues to learn more about himself as both a player and a man. It's officially been a year since the redshirt senior underwent UCL surgery, which led to his decision to withdraw from the NFL draft and enter the transfer portal, ultimately joining the ACC program.
After four years with the Georgia Bulldogs, including winning two National Championships, it has proven to have been the right move for Beck. He's not the flashiest quarterback, but his winning impact is undeniable. The 23-year-old led the team to an amazing 5-0 record to start the season, despite not being 100 percent. However, there was high adversity after losing two games in three weeks against unranked ACC opponents in the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs. Beck completed 51 of 73 passes, 69.9 percent, for 545 yards, throwing for two touchdowns and six interceptions.
It was a difficult stretch, which resulted in all aspirations and goals being left on life support. The Hurricanes no longer had control of their faith but attacked business head-on. Afterwards, the team responded with a dominant four-game winning streak, including against a ranked Pitt Panthers opponent who was also in the race for the College Football Playoffs, with a final score of 38-7 to close the regular season. Beck was an absolute star during that stretch, completing 89 of 112 passes, 79.5 percent, for 1,125 yards, throwing for 11 touchdowns and one meaningless interception. Afterwards, it was revealed that the veteran quarterback felt 100 percent healthy, which resulted in marvelous performances.
In these College Football Playoffs, Beck's stats don't stand out, but provide a way to win. In the first round against the Texas A&M Aggies, the offense struggled outside of star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. Beck completed 14 of 20 passes, 70 percent, for 103 yards, throwing for a touchdown. It wasn't terrible, but battling a hostile environment and windy conditions threw the game plan off. Regardless, the Hurricanes won with a final score of 10-3.
It was an ugly victory, but it was enough to advance.
Then, in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, Beck completed 19 of 26 passes, 73.1 percent, for 138 yards, throwing for a touchdown. He isn't known as a running quarterback, but delivered an 11-yard rushing play on third-and-11 for a critical first down in the fourth quarter. It was a full display of his will to do anything for the team. As a result, the Hurricanes upset the Buckeyes, with a final score of 24-14.
Beck has contributed to completing the program's turnaround. As the semifinals are less than 48 hours away, he understands the pressure that comes with it and embraces it.
"The way I like to look at it," the third-team All-ACC quarterback said. "I don't like to just blow it off and say, 'it's another game. Obviously, it's not just another game; it's the College Football Playoffs semifinal. I think it's important to recognize it for what it is. We, as a team, are super blessed and grateful to be in this position. We've worked really hard to be in this position and we've earned the opportunity."
Beck is one of the few on the Hurricanes roster with postseason experience before this current run. Mario Cristobal and the staff have relied on it, as it continues to pay off. It's going to take another excellent outing to come out on top against the Rebels and compete for a National Championship.
The stage is set for Thursday, Jan 8th, at Glendale, Arizona, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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