NASHVILLE – Carson Beck didn’t have his target for most of the game at Vanderbilt, but the Georgia quarterback didn’t use that as an excuse.
“Obviously at Georgia we fully expect the next guy to step up and make plays,” Beck said after No. 1 ranked Georgia earned a 37-20 win over the Commodores on Saturday.
“But it hurts not having him out there.”
Bowers traveled with the team back to Georgia on Saturday night, where Smart said he would undergo an MRI that would provide more information about the ankle sprain he suffered at Vanderbilt.
Bowers left the game at 7:24 of the second quarter, having already made four catches for 22 yards and running the ball two more times for 21 yards, including the play on which he was injured.
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Bowers had touched the ball six of the first 27 games, the player the Bulldogs relied on most, and he was also the key figure in the UGA team’s two national championship seasons.
Beck appeared uncertain while Bowers was on the field. He held the ball while scanning the field for targets en route to a 29-of-39 passing performance that gave him 261 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a fumble.
“We turned the ball over twice and of course I’m responsible for that, it’s my fault,” Beck said. “Not every day can be perfect; We’ll go back and watch the film and see where we can improve.”
Beck’s fumble came on the first drive and came as he lined up in the pocket, the ball held low and unprotected.
The interception came after a tipped pass and was returned to the UGA 1-yard line, leading to a Vanderbilt touchdown and giving the Commodores a chance to tie within one score in the fourth quarter.
“It tipped into the air,” said Beck, explaining his interception. “That’s what happens in football.”
Unfortunately, Vanderbilt’s 2-point conversion attempt failed, so the scoreboard read 30-20 and Georgia drove the length of the field and sealed the game with a touchdown.
Coach Kirby Smart said he wanted to watch game film before revealing too much about Beck’s execution, but he praised his leadership.
“I’ll watch it and see how he did, but I’m definitely proud of his composure,” Smart said. “He hardly loses his temper.”
Beck said it was just about managing the game.
“You just try to keep your composure,” Beck said. “It’s just a next-play mentality.”
Next man, next game and now it will be Georgia’s turn against a Florida team that went on the road Saturday and beat South Carolina 41-39 to improve to 5-2.
Both teams have next weekend off before playing in Jacksonville, Florida on October 28th at 3:30 p.m.