The MRI results have Georgia football fans on the edge of their seats, constantly refreshing for updates on the status of starting quarterback Carson Beck. Monday brought more waiting as coach Kirby Smart stated in the early afternoon that they should get the results within the next few hours. One thing is certain - Beck has a right elbow injury, and Georgia is just three weeks and two days away from playing in the College Football Playoff on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl.

Waiting and Uncertainty

There has been no news from Smart's media session on Sunday indicating good news. The delay in the school providing more information about Beck's injury also adds to the uncertainty. Beck and his camp are also considering his NFL future. On3 reported on Monday that Beck is dealing with a UCL injury and is getting second opinions.

The Impact of a Potential Change

If Georgia has to turn to Gunner Stockton, it raises questions about how it will impact the No. 2 seeded CFP team. Stockton became a folk hero in the SEC Championship Game with his gutsy performance in the second half during the overtime win over Texas. Can the Bulldogs win three playoff games with a favorable path that could start against Notre Dame and end against No. 1 Oregon?In 2021 before Georgia played a CFP semifinal, offensive coordinator Todd Monken had strong faith in Stetson Bennett. He believed they could win the national championship with Bennett. Now similar questions will arise about Stockton if he is thrust into a starting role. Bennett had 15 starts under his belt after a shaky outing in the SEC Championship loss to Alabama and went on to win back-to-back national titles. Stockton, a redshirt sophomore, would make his starting debut in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame or Indiana in the CFP quarterfinal if Beck is out.

Stockton's Experience and Abilities

Stockton's body of work is limited, but he has played on big stages. He stepped in during the second half of the SEC Championship Game when Georgia scored 13 points after being held to just 3 in the first with Beck at the helm. He also led Georgia on a 75-yard touchdown drive to start the second half after Beck was injured on the final play of the first half and managed to hold onto the ball on a designed run in overtime despite a hard hit that knocked off his helmet.Smart said, "The team has a lot of confidence in Gunner. He's very smart, very intelligent. It's probably more about picking the right volume and not having everything that we have with Carson, but having things that fit Gunner." Stockton is a four-star recruit out of Rabun County and has played in eight games, completing 37 of 51 passes for 354 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 73 yards on 22 carries and showed his athleticism on Saturday.

Georgia's Need for Defense

There will be a lot of discussion now about what this all means for Georgia. Some hot takes have already surfaced over the weekend. Skip Bayless posted on X, "I like Georgia's chances a little more with Gunner Stockton at QB. Gives 'em Stetsonish spark." Georgia has shown it can win on some of Beck's worst days this season. But it will need its defense to rise up like it did against Texas to help ease Stockton.Smart said, "The kid played just tough as nails. He hasn't gotten to play much this year. That's the hardest part. You don't get a chance to play these guys. The Florida State game is probably the most he's played. But can't say enough about his toughness, character, whatever you want to say. The guy is a phenomenal leader. He made some good plays."If Beck is out, Georgia's players will need to rise to the occasion again in the Sugar Bowl. Then, if they advance to the Orange Bowl in the semifinals and back to Atlanta on the same field with a national title on the line, they will need to continue to perform at a high level.

UNC had set a goal of announcing their new head football coach before the transfer portal opened on Sunday. There were numerous rumored negotiations, yet no resolution emerged by the end of the day. Jon Sumrall was among the school's main targets, but he decided to stay at Tulane instead. Now, the most significant speculation surrounds Bill Belichick. It was reported on Friday that part of Belichick's demands included naming his son as the head coach in waiting. Belichick has expressed a preference to return to the NFL, but no team has shown interest so far. Pete Thamel writes that the negotiations between Belichick and UNC are ongoing and expected to be resolved this week. He also provides insights into the messy situation at Carolina. Thamel emphasizes that there is uncertainty in the industry about who is in charge of the process. John Preyer of the Board of Trustees has been vocal about his views on Mack Brown's firing and is pushing for the Belichick hire behind the scenes. However, those close to Belichick remain skeptical. As the Belichick rumors persist, it seems that Bubba Cunningham is being pressured by outside influence. It is understandable that someone like Preyer would want a high-profile name like Belichick, but it may not be the best decision for the football program. If Cunningham is forced to make a choice between giving in to the pressure and sacrificing good sense or continuing to pursue actual college football coaches, it could be disastrous for UNC. The program was already in a difficult situation when they paid Larry Fedora not to coach. The board's decision to bring in Mack Brown also had its issues. The early promises quickly faded. UNC cannot afford another such situation if they want to be respected. This also erodes the trust that the Athletic Director should have in making his own decisions without appeasing the Board of Trustees. While it may be too extreme to say that this week's events will make or break UNC football, they will surely set the tone for the future. Even if they hire Bill Belichick and it doesn't turn out to be a disaster, the aftermath of this circus will likely have long-term consequences.

UNC's Past Coaching Decisions and Their Impact

The school's history is filled with significant coaching decisions. Paying Larry Fedora not to coach was a controversial move that left the program in a dire state. Bringing in Mack Brown despite his recent role as an ESPN announcer instead of being actively involved in coaching also raised eyebrows. The early promises made during these decisions showed some potential, but they quickly dissipated. These past experiences have taught UNC valuable lessons about the importance of making sound coaching choices and following through on promises.

The Role of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has played a crucial role in UNC's coaching decisions. John Preyer's outspoken views on Mack Brown's firing demonstrate their influence. Their push for the Belichick hire behind the scenes shows their desire for a high-profile name. However, this has also led to uncertainty and internal conflicts within the program. The Athletic Director needs to have the autonomy to make decisions based on the best interests of the football program, rather than being influenced by the Board.

The Belichick Negotiations and Their Implications

The negotiations between UNC and Bill Belichick have been a hot topic. Belichick's demands and his preference to return to the NFL have added complexity to the situation. The fact that he has not received any offers yet shows the challenges in landing such a high-profile coach. If UNC manages to hire Belichick, it will have significant implications for the program. It could bring attention and prestige, but it also comes with risks. The long-term ramifications of this decision are yet to be seen.

The Pressure on Bubba Cunningham

Bubba Cunningham is facing intense pressure from outside influence, especially from those pushing for the Belichick hire. This pressure is making it difficult for him to make decisions based on what is best for the football program. He needs to stand firm and make choices that prioritize the future of UNC football rather than succumbing to external demands. If he fails to do so, it could lead to further turmoil within the program.