Urban Meyer emphatically states Carson Beck has 'got to take care of the damn ball'

Miami and Florida State are set to meet on the big stage this weekend, with the potential for some control of the ACC picture hanging in the balance. ‘Canes quarterback Carson Beck will have a lot to do with the eventual outcome.

Beck has been a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at times. At other times he’s looked fairly pedestrian. And there’s one big hang-up.

“Here’s my question. Carson Beck, to me, when I watch this guy play he looks like a Heisman candidate, he looks like a first-round draft pick and then he throws three interceptions in two games,” former coach Urban Meyer said on The Triple Option podcast. “That’s what got him at Georgia if you guys remember. He just did not take care of the ball. This guy’s going to leave a lot of money on the table in his career, not just in the draft process.”

And it’s not so much that Carson Beck has thrown the occasional interception. Often it’s when he’s throwing it that matters most.

In a game against Florida, he had a costly turnover in the second half that could have well swung the game. Florida’s offensive ineptitude kept it from hurting Miami, but better teams will take advantage.

“He’s got to take care of the damn ball,” Meyer said. “I don’t know enough about him, I don’t know how he’s coached. Is he taking too many chances he can’t take? Because you watch this cat play he can do it all. He can make every throw, he’s athletic, he’s got good size, great release, great arm and then all the sudden wait, what? Three interceptions in two games.”

Carson Beck has thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions in the last two games. He’s simply got to get that cleaned up.

The Seminoles will take advantage if given the opportunity. And if the Hurricanes want to avoid last year’s fate of narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, it’s games like these that make the difference.

“I’m going to say I think Florida State’s going to nut up,” Meyer said. “I think they’re going to keep it close. I think Miami still wins, but I’d take Florida State and the points.”