Paul Finebaum issues an eye-opening remark for Carson Beck-less Georgia's playoff chances

Quarterback Carson Beck and the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs defeated the No. 3 Texas Longhorns 22-19 in overtime on Dec. 7 to win the SEC championship. It was the Bulldogs' second win over the Longhorns this season and gave them a bye through the first round of the College Football Playoff. They will play their first matchup on New Year's Day.

However, Beck injured his elbow in the SEC championship game, and it has been reported that he will miss the entire playoff. Veteran college football analyst Paul Finebaum appeared on ESPN's "Get Up" on Friday to discuss Carson Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs. He was asked if Beck's injury dooms the Bulldogs' chances of winning the whole thing.

"It does not," Finebaum said. "They've been prepared for this since the end of the SEC championship game. They knew Gunner Stockton would end being their quarterback in the Sugar Bowl in two weeks. I think they're OK, Greenie."

Is Paul Finebaum right that the Georgia Bulldogs are still a contender without Carson Beck?

While Paul Finebaum believes the Georgia Bulldogs are still contenders without Carson Beck, that does not make it a fact. However, he has good reason to believe the Bulldogs should still contend for the national championship this season.

One of the things that stands out about the Bulldogs is that they have one of the best defenses in the country. On "Get Up," college football analyst EJ Manuel was asked the same question after Finebaum answered, and he brought this up.

"Yeah I completely agree, Georgia still has a great opportunity," Manuel said. "They have an excellent defense man and going all the way back to little league Greenie, defense still wins championships.

"So, ultimately look, you bring in your backup quarterback, Gunner Stockton, who is not a scrub by any means of the word. He is a good football player, but he's inexperienced. But I think the defense will carry this football team and help them win and have a good opportunity to get to that national championship game."

Without Beck in the lineup, Gunner Stockton will need to step in as the replacement. In three appearances this season, including in relief in the SEC championship game, Stockton has performed well. He has completed 25 of 32 passing attempts this season for 206 yards. He had one interception in the SEC championship game, but Beck was also prone to throwing interceptions.