Georgia has reportedly been preparing to play without Beck since the SEC Championship, having considered his return unlikely. Unfortunately for Georgia, there is still plenty of time for Notre Dame to prepare to play against Stockton. The Sugar Bowl kicks off in 15 days.

Beck sustained the elbow injury on the final play of the first half in Georgia's 22–19 overtime win over Texas in the SEC championship game. He returned for one play in overtime to hand the football off to Trevor Etienne for the game-winning touchdown after backup quarterback Gunner Stockton lost his helmet on a hard hit inside the 5-yard line.