The College Football Playoff (CFP) Fiesta Bowl was supposed to be a showcase of top-tier talent, but the aftermath of Miami’s narrow victory over Ole Miss has sparked a firestorm of controversy centered on one man: Carson Beck. In a recent, high-octane episode of The Coach JB Show with Big Smitty, Coach JB and former NFL quarterback Shaun King engaged in a verbal slugfest regarding Beck’s role in the win, his long-term viability, and the officiating that some say tilted the scales.
The discussion kicked off with a blunt assessment from Coach JB, who didn’t mince words, calling Beck’s performance “f***ing ass cheeks.” JB’s primary frustration stems from what he perceives as a lack of “tempo and conviction” in Beck’s passing game. While Beck’s record as a starter is undeniably impressive—fueled by his time on some of the most talented Georgia rosters in recent memory—JB argues that the stats mask a player who is essentially a high-level “game manager” rather than a true “game changer.”
“He doesn’t throw any ball with tempo or conviction,” JB argued, noting that Beck’s only reliable throw seems to be a dig route coming from left to right. He characterized Beck’s deep balls as “lollipop” passes and questioned how Miami could expect to defeat powerhouses like Indiana or Oregon if they continue to rely on “late-game heroics” rather than dominant quarterback play.
Shaun King, however, offered a more nuanced take, even as he acknowledged Beck’s flaws. King pointed out that despite the criticisms, Beck simply wins. He drew a parallel to Jalen Hurts, suggesting that while the style might not always be aesthetically pleasing, the results are hard to argue with. King noted that Beck started the game 14 of 18, albeit mostly on check-downs, bubbles, and screens. However, King saw “upside” in a specific 15-yard out-cut that Beck threw on time and with anticipation, proving his arm is capable of more than just safe passes.
The debate took a sharp turn when discussing Beck’s surprising rushing touchdown late in the game. JB had previously claimed such a play was “damn near an impossibility,” and King was quick to remind him of that failed prediction. “Think if you solo bet it, you’d be swimming in money right now,” King joked, noting that Beck hadn’t recorded a rushing score since a week three blowout against USF.
Beyond Beck, the conversation shifted to the broader implications of Miami’s win and the physical toll of the game. JB praised Miami’s defensive line, stating that NFL scouts have told him they are the most “loaded up front” in the country. “Miami has looked like the SEC team all year,” JB remarked, emphasizing how they out-physically dominated an Ole Miss team that fought until the very end.
However, the victory was marred by what JB and King described as “uneven” officiating. The most egregious point of contention was a missed pass interference call on the final play of the game that could have given Ole Miss a conceptual opportunity to win from the 20-yard line. JB was particularly incensed by the ejection of a Miami player for a “bang-bang” targeting call in the fourth quarter, which will force the player to miss the first half of the National Championship.
“We got to stop ejecting kids,” JB fumed. “This guy is going to a national championship—a once-in-a-lifetime situation—and he’s going to miss a whole first half because of a bang-bang play that couldn’t even be avoided. The refs have no clue because they don’t have a buy-in.”
The episode concluded with a look ahead at Miami’s potential championship run, which JB noted would be the “most impressive ever” given the gauntlet of teams they’ve faced—from Texas A&M and Ohio State to a “fire-hot” Ole Miss. While the debate over Carson Beck’s elite status remains unsettled, one thing is clear: Miami is rolling into the final stage of the season with a mountain of momentum and a defensive front that has the entire nation on notice.
Whether you view Beck as a lucky manager or a resilient winner, the heat surrounding the Hurricanes is undeniable. As the National Championship looms, the question remains: Can Beck find the conviction he needs, or will Miami’s defense have to carry the load one more time?
