Category Archives: NCAA Football

Carson Beck, college-football, Miami Hurricanes, NCAA Football

Carson Beck’s Journey: From Georgia Struggles to Miami Success

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To understand the “legend” of Carson Beck, you need to examine the significant statistical changes. You also need to examine the cultural changes. They occurred between his final year at Georgia and his current 2025-26 run with the Miami Hurricanes.

The narrative has changed. Beck was once a “scapegoat” for a struggling offense. Now, it’s a “resurrection” story. This shift has placed him back in the day two conversation for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Georgia Struggle: A Case of “The Drops.”

In 2024, Beck’s draft stock plummeted largely due to an “epidemic” of dropped passes at Georgia. Analysts and scouts now point to these specific numbers to explain his 12-interception season:

  • The Drop Rate: Georgia’s receivers had a 9.4% drop rate in 2024 (ranking 96th in the country). For context, many of these drops occurred on critical “NFL-caliber” rocket shots that shifted game momentum.
  • Lost Production: Estimates suggest Georgia receivers dropped over 500+ yards worth of catchable passes in 2024. These drops turned potential touchdowns into punts. In several cases, they led to tipped-ball interceptions.
  • The Scapegoat Effect: Beck was blamed for inconsistency. Still, former players and analysts argued that the offensive line struggles made him look worse. Receiver drops also contributed to this perception.

The Miami Resurrection (2025)

By transferring to Miami, Beck didn’t just change his jersey; he found a system that complemented his surgical passing style.

  • Instant Impact: He led Miami to an 11-2 regular season and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
  • Efficiency Reborn: At Miami, his completion percentage jumped back to an elite 74.5% (compared to 64.7% in 2024).
  • Reliable Targets: Miami’s receivers had a much lower drop rate (4.7%), allowing Beck to play with the same poise he showed during Georgia’s 2023 campaign.
  • The Giant Killer: Beck played a key role in Miami’s victory against #2 Ohio State. The game ended with a 24-14 upset in the Cotton Bowl. This victory officially punched their ticket to the CFP Semifinals.

NFL Draft Future: 2026 Outlook

Beck’s decision to return to school and transfer has paid off. After being projected as a Day 3 pick in early 2025, he is once again a “riser.”

  • Current Projection: Most analysts now see him as a solid day two in the 2026 class. He is often considered a contender for the QB3 spot.
  • Scout’s Take: NFL scouts love his 6’4″, 225-pound frame and his ability to work from the pocket. His resilience in bouncing back from a “broken” 2024 season is being cited as a significant intangible plus.
  • The “Pro-Ready” Tag: Unlike some “playground” quarterbacks, Beck shows up as a “traditional” passer. He can instantly manage an NFL huddle. He is also capable of executing complex play-action schemes.

Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025

Completion %64.7%74.5%
Interceptions12 (Tied for SEC lead)6
Drop Rate (WRs)9.4% (96th in NCAA)4.7% (30th in NCAA)
OutcomeMissed PlayoffsCFP Semifinalist

college-football, NCAA Football, Penn State

Penn State’s Coaching Dilemma: Time for a Change?

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Time has finally run out for James Franklin. Another loss is possible for the Nittany Lions. There is also a probability of two more losses on their schedule. His era in State College is coming to a close.    

This season was when Penn State was expected to follow in the footsteps of Michigan and Ohio State. They were supposed to bring home the National Championship.   

The key players passed on the NFL to come back and bring a title to State College.  This was the year James Franklin was supposed to change the narrative from small-game James to big-game James.

What happened? The best laid plans of mice and men.  

Losing a double-overtime game to Oregon is one thing. Nevertheless, a championship-caliber team doesn’t trail by 20 at halftime to a winless UCLA.   It was not a last-second field goal that sunk them.  Penn State was dominated from the start of the game.

The coach blamed a multitude of factors. He blamed these instead of himself.   Not a good look, JF. 

Now the question is not if, but when, they part ways.   Reports show that the buyout amounts to just under $50 million as of January 1st. This amount is difficult for many programs to swallow.  

The Buffalo Bills might win the Super Bowl for Terry Pegula. If they do, he may decide to step up to cover a significant portion of the buyout. Adidas can also help its flagship school repair its image. The school might also need to persuade Franklin to step down. It is a combination of all three and more.   

Regardless, once this season is finished, it is time to move the program ahead.

The next question will be who they turn to. They need someone to take the program back to a championship and big game level.    Removing the Franklin will cost approximately $50 million. They must focus their search on individuals with a vested interest.

These individuals should be interested in restoring the program to its former glory. They should value the program even more than the highest paycheck they can earn.    

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