Georgia’s Carson Beck Prefers to Avoid Watching Football: “It Stresses Me Out”

Carson Beck, the talented quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, is gearing up for an intense match against the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns in the 2024 SEC Championship on Saturday. This showdown in Atlanta follows a dramatic win by Georgia over Georgia Tech on November 29, which extended into eight overtime periods. Texas, in turn, secured their spot by defeating Texas A&M the following day.

However, despite the anticipation for this high-stakes matchup, Beck revealed that he avoids watching football during his downtime due to the stress it induces. This habit sets him apart from many of his peers who enjoy consuming games as a form of relaxation. Beck shared his candid thoughts during a recent press session, explaining, “I don’t watch football. It’s not fun for me.”

When asked if he would be tuning into the Texas vs. Texas A&M game, Beck’s response was telling. “I know it sounds crazy, but I just don’t enjoy watching football,” he admitted. He elaborated on why watching games isn’t enjoyable for him, saying, “If I watch a game, I can’t just sit there and enjoy it. I make myself tense the whole time. I’m constantly thinking, ‘Why did he throw it there?’ or ‘What’s the defense doing?’ It’s stressful because I never really get to relax when I watch.”

Beck’s intense focus on the game isn’t just limited to his time on the field. While he might steer clear of watching football for leisure, he does make time to watch movies, which he finds more calming and enjoyable. Despite his aversion to watching games, Beck has reviewed film footage to prepare for the upcoming clash against Texas. “I’ve obviously watched film and know that we’ll be playing Texas in the SEC Championship,” Beck said. “Their defense is really strong, with a lot of talent. Their defensive coordinator puts them in good positions, and they play at a high level. It’s exciting to have the chance to face them again.”

The stakes for Georgia are high, as they aim to build on their previous season’s experience. Last year, the Bulldogs fell short in the SEC Championship against Alabama with a close 27-24 loss, which kept them out of the College Football Playoff. This year, however, their victory over Georgia Tech has kept their playoff hopes alive, regardless of the result of the SEC title game. The new 12-team playoff format allows for more opportunities for teams like Georgia to compete for a national title, boosting their chances even if they don’t win the championship.

In preparation for the upcoming game, Beck has been focusing on refining his strategy, understanding that Texas’s defense poses significant challenges. “They’re a well-coached team with excellent defensive schemes,” he noted. “It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and are excited for the opportunity.”

As the SEC Championship approaches, Beck’s unique approach to the game—preferring not to watch football casually—highlights his intense dedication and mental approach to the sport. It’s a strategy that clearly works for him as he prepares for one of the biggest games of his career, aiming for victory and a spot in the upcoming College Football Playoff.