College Football Rankings: Power Ranking the 11 Best Quarterbacks for 2011

Believe it or not, college football season is less than 100 days away!

And, it's never too early for the preseason and Heisman rankings discussion at the water cooler.

Additionally, we as fans try to break down every facet of the game, which only causes more debate.

Well, this should come as no surprise when ranking the nation's best QBs.

So, who's No. 1?

Read on, check it out, then weigh in your thoughts afterwsard.

11. Matt Barkley: USC, Junior

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PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans drops back to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,791

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 26/12

COMPLETION %: 62.6

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

He's been gradually improving since his freshman year, but should plan on looking to stay through his senior year to better prepare for the NFL.

2011 should be an ultimate breakout year with him throwing over 30 TDs and less than 10 picks, but as you'll see, others that did just that are back for another year.

One extra season under Lane Kiffin will do him wonders and could potentially get the Trojans back to national prominence.

10. Taylor Martinez: Nebraska, Sophomore

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 1,631

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 10/7

COMPLETION %: 59.2

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 965 yards on 162 carries, including 12 TDs.

A 2010 freshman All-American, Taylor Martinez has the potential to lead Nebraska to a Big Ten championship in their inaugural season.

Now, although he and the Huskers are in a "pound-the-rock" conference, improving his ability as a pocket passer is vital.

Heading into 2011 he will be a top QB, but whether he makes that jump from good to great is the next question.

9. Kirk Cousins: Michigan State, Senior

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans warms up during the Capitol One Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,825

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 20/10

COMPLETION %: 66.9

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

Since earning the starting job as a sophomore in 2009, Kirk Cousins has made significant strides at the helm in East Lansing.

One of those being Sparty's first conference championship in 20 years.

All that's left is taking the next step to becoming elite.

There, he will find his team atop the Big Ten (again) and himself in the Heisman discussion.

As more of a game managing QB, he's not electric (like Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden or Andrew Luck), but can get the job done when needed. 

8. Darron Thomas: Oregon, Junior

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks scrambles against the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/G

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,881

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 30/9

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 61.5

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 486 yards on 93 carries, including five TDs.

Since much of the attention will be on RB LaMichael James this fall, don't be surprised if Darron Thomas goes somewhat under the elite QB radar.

Not to mention, with Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley in the same conference, he'll have his work cut out for him.

Nonetheless, expect Thomas to perform well and establish himself as a Heisman candidate (despite not having Jeff Maehl out-wide).

7. Bryant Moniz: Hawaii, Junior

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HONOLULU - SEPTEMBER 2: Quarterback Bryant Moniz #17 of the University of Hawaii Warriors makes a pass against the University of Southern California Trojans during first half action at Aloha Stadium September 2, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent N

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 5,040

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 39/15

COMPLETION %: 65.0

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 102 yards on 81 carries, including four TDs.

After the career Colt Brennan had with the Hawaii Warriors, Bryant Moniz has hit that and has the chance to elevate it.

Hawaii football is exciting, and Moniz guns down his WRs like anyone who has ever played Duck Hunt for regular Nintendo.

After a sensational 2010 season, capitalizing on that in 2011 will be difficult since his two top targets are gone.

So with that said, it will be interesting to watch Moniz develop his receivers for Hawaii to contend for another conference championship. 

6. Denard Robinson: Michigan, Junior

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,570

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 18/11

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 62.5

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS: Rushed for 1,702 yards on 256 carries, including 14 TDs.

Despite being more of a dual-threat, Denard Robinson has shown great ability to be a prolific passer.

Now, although there's a new head coach — Brady Hoke — in charge, allowing Robinson to be himself is key.

As long as Robinson doesn't try to do too much and give his teammates multiple opportunities, he'll only become that much more dangerous.

5. Aaron Murray: Georgia, Sophomore

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,049

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 24/8

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 61.1

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 167 yards on 87 carries, including four TDs.

Although he had now-Cincinnati Bengal A.J. Green to target in 2010, Aaron Murray still went above and beyond expectations.

That said, it's only going to put more pressure on him this fall.

He is young, so there is still much to be learned, but his potential has no limits.

Bulldog fans should be very excited about seeing him under center.

4. Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State, Senior

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in action during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 4,277

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 34/13

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 66.9

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

With Justin Blackmon returning, it definitely makes Brandon Weeden's job easier.

But, that shouldn't take away from his ability, as he came of age in 2010 after only appearing in four games through his first two college seasons.

Don't sleep on Weeden and the Cowboys, because they can burn the scoreboard at will.

3. Landry Jones: Oklahoma, Junior

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NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 4,718

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 38/12

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 65.6

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

Is Oklahoma becoming a QB factory?

Well, that seems to be the case after the recent success of Sam Bradford in the NFL, and the way Landry Jones performed last season.

Oklahoma once again has conference title and national title expectations, and adding Jones as a Heisman trophy candidate should also be in the discussion.

2. Andrew Luck: Stanford, Junior

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,338

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 32/8

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 70.7

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 453 yards on 55 carries, including three TDs.

Transitioning from one head coach to another is never easy.

That said, replacing your top two WRs will be difficult as well.

In any event, Andrew Luck will once again be in the Heisman race because of his leadership alone.

You know he's going to perform well, so that's a given as well.

However, he'll battle the next guy all season for the coveted trophy.

1. Kellen Moore: Boise State, Senior

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,845

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 35/6

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 71.3

ADDITIONAL STATS: Caught one pass for a seven-yard TD.

Much like Andrew Luck, Boise State's Kellen Moore has to find replacements for his top two WRs as well.

But, his head coach remains, so that is only to his advantage.

Also, after being a Heisman finalist last season (along with Luck), Boise's schedule is more difficult.

Therefore, that "weak strength of schedule" excuse will be irrelevant in 2011.