Carson Beck stayed calm when No. 5 Georgia faced tough competition from the underdog Mississippi State in the second half.
Beck threw for a career-high 459 yards and three touchdowns, helping Georgia hold off Mississippi State’s comeback attempt for a 41-31 victory on Saturday.
“He’s experienced,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart about Beck, who is a senior. “The game gets a little tight there and he’s cool, not panicked.”
Georgia (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) sometimes played as if it was focused on next week’s game against No. 1 Texas, but still had enough offense to earn its 28th straight win at home.
Georgia led 34-10 early in the second half, but freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., in his second start, helped Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3) score two quick touchdowns. Van Buren’s strong play allowed Mississippi State to finish the game with a 21-7 run, though it wasn’t enough to avoid their fifth straight loss.
“Our guys responded,” said Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby. “… I hate that we’re sitting here disappointed, frustrated that we’re not on the right side of it, but our guys are continuing to fight like heck for each other and I’m proud of them for that.”
Beck threw two interceptions, including one on Georgia’s second play, which led to a Mississippi State field goal.
“It’s, like, it is what it is,” Beck said. “Let’s go. It doesn’t matter, just keep playing the game, keep going. And then you start to find a rhythm.”
With Georgia leading 34-24, Beck guided a 16-play touchdown drive to seal the game. On fourth down at the Mississippi State 1, Trevor Etienne was pushed into the end zone by Georgia’s offensive line.
Van Buren completed 20 of 37 passes for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring passes of 24 and 35 yards to Kelly Akharaiyi, and one interception. The 35-yarder with 1:47 left brought Georgia’s lead down to 10 points.
Beck completed 36 passes on 48 attempts, matching Georgia’s record.
Beck ended the first half strongly. His 31-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Bell, who made a great catch with his left toe in the back of the end zone, and a 1-yard scoring pass to tight end Lawson Luckie helped Georgia take a 27-10 lead at halftime.
