Georgia Bulldogs fans may be relieved by the win, but their team’s 34-20 victory over the Florida Gators was hardly a cause for celebration.
Far from a commanding performance, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, making a hard-fought win look unconvincing. If ever there were such a thing as an ugly win, this would fit the bill.
Throughout much of the game, Georgia’s offense looked stagnant, with quarterback Carson Beck having one of his more forgettable outings.
Beck threw three interceptions in the first half alone, more often finding players in white jerseys—the Florida defenders—than his own teammates.
With Georgia’s offense faltering, they were fortunate not to come away with a loss, especially considering the Gators’ strong start.
The Bulldogs’ saving grace came in the form of misfortune for the Gators, as star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway left the game in the first half with a leg injury, taken off the field on a cart. Lagway’s early exit tilted the odds in Georgia’s favor, allowing the Bulldogs to escape with a win they desperately needed to stay in playoff contention.
Reflecting on the game, Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon highlighted the Bulldogs’ performance as one of the week’s biggest disappointments, despite the victory.
In his column “College Football 2024: Winners and Losers from Week 10,” Kenyon pointed to Georgia’s offensive issues, labelling them a troubling sign for the team’s playoff hopes.
“Georgia won. That’s what the Dawgs care about,” Kenyon began.
“As their fans celebrate a fourth consecutive win over rival Florida, though, the concern about UGA’s offense is undeniable.”
He noted that Beck’s struggles were not limited to this game alone.
“Carson Beck tossed three interceptions, which he’d already done in both the loss at Alabama and last week’s victory over Texas. The worst part is Beck, who’s thrown 11 picks in eight contests this year, made a few truly terrible decisions. It wasn’t just a string of bad luck.”
The context of Saturday’s game softened the impact of Beck’s mistakes. Florida, forced to turn to a backup quarterback after Lagway’s injury, could not capitalise fully on Georgia’s errors.
And the Gators’ own missteps—a botched snap on a field goal attempt and a late-game interception—ultimately helped the Bulldogs limp to victory.
Kenyon remarked: “Georgia’s defense is good enough to beat anyone. Conversely, if Beck continues to have a turnover problem, just about anyone may be able to steal one from the Dawgs.”
The Bulldogs face a tough road ahead, with games against Ole Miss and Tennessee in the next two weeks. Both teams boast solid defenses and offensive firepower that could capitalise on Georgia’s struggles to move the ball. If Beck’s turnover issues persist, Georgia may find itself vulnerable against more balanced opponents.
Though still on track for a place in the college football playoffs, Georgia’s hopes could hinge on their performance in the coming weeks.
A slip-up against either Ole Miss or Tennessee would mean needing outside help to secure a playoff berth. The clock is ticking for the Bulldogs to resolve their offensive issues before their postseason ambitions slip away.