College Football 2011 Preseason Rankings: Ranking Each Big 12 QB

College football starts again in a matter of weeks.

Can I get an "Amen?"

The 2011 season will no doubt be filled with fierce competition and some surprising finishes.

And I don't remember a season where so many Big 12 teams were going to be led by unseasoned and inexperienced QBs.

While there are 22 players on the field at any time, there is no position that will have more influence on the outcome of this fall's conference games than quarterback.

Those players who line up behind center will make or break their team's seasons. They will be the ones who lead the comebacks and also give the games away.

Let's take a lightning-fast look at this year's collection of signal-callers.

Here's a power ranking of the Big 12's starting QBs.

10. Jordan Webb, Kansas

Jordan Webb started seven games at quarterback in his first season, and he threw more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (seven) and only 1,195 yards.

Second-year Jayhawks coach Turner Gill hopes Webb gained valuable experience that will translate into better production in 2011.

With the QB situation still being questionable in Lawrence, Eric Sorrentino of KUSports.com thinks, "there's not a game on the schedule that can be pinpointed as a guaranteed victory."

9. Jerome Tiller, Iowa State

Jerome Tiller needs to step up for the Cyclones' offense to even give Iowa State a chance against a tough schedule that includes rival Iowa and UConn.

Tiller is a dangerous runner, but so far has only shown average passing abilities.

Last season in backing up Austen Arnaud, Tiller was 39-for-82 for 363 yards and one TD. 

8. James Franklin, Missouri

Sophomore James Franklin is an unproven collegiate QB. He saw limited action in three games (McNeese State, Miami of Ohio and Colorado) last season behind Blaine Gabbert.

But he good news is he will have two talented targets to throw to in T.J. Moe and Michael Egnew.

If Franklin can emerge as a steady field general, the Tigers could challenge for a top spot in the Big 12. 

7. Seth Doege, Texas Tech

Tommy Tuberville will be breaking in a new QB in Lubbock this season with junior Seth Doege.

As a redshirt freshman in 2009, Doege appeared in three games, throwing for two TDs and 369 yards.

He saw limited action in two games last season as a backup, going 3-of-4 for 58 yards passing against Weber State.

Doege will need to gain confidence and establish himself in the Red Raiders' three non-conference games so he can lead the team once the Big 12 slate begins in October.

6. Justin Tuggle, Kansas State

Justin Tuggle started his college career at Boston College, transferred to Blinn (JUCO) and now finds himself starting for Bill Snyder's Wildcats this fall.

If Tuggle, a dual-threat QB who is dangerous with his feet, can have some of the same success as past Blinn signal-callers (Cam Newton, Terrance Cain and Michael Bishop), Kansas State might make some noise this fall.

5. Garrett Gilbert, Texas

Garrett Gilbert caught a ton of blame for the Longhorns' lame showing (5-7 record, lost seven of their last nine and missed a bowl game) in 2010.

Gilbert never seemed to get on track last season, throwing 10 touchdowns compared to 17 interceptions.

Because of a lack of other significant options, Gilbert will start the season for Mack Brown, who hopes his running game can come through for him.

4. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Texas A&M was 3-3 last season when Ryan Tannehill was slung the keys to the Aggies's season—and boy, did he drive them in the right direction.

With Tannehill behind center, A&M rattled off six straight wins and found themselves playing in the Cotton Bowl.

With a nice TD-to-INT ratio (13/6) Tannehill led the team to huge victories over Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas.

Tannehill is also on this year's Davey O'Brien list (top QB in the nation).

If he can build off his second-half of the season success, the Aggies will challenge for the Big 12 title.   

3. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

Due to playing professional baseball after graduating from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2002, Brandon Weeden may very well be the oldest college football player on the field this fall.

He turns 28 in October.

Mike Gundy is glad to have this experienced gunslinger leading the Cowboys again this season. In 2010, Weeden threw 34 TDs with only 13 INTs for 4,277 yards.

More importantly, Oklahoma State posted the school's first-ever 11-win season in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

Weeden has been named on the Davey O'Brien watch list.

2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

RG3 may be one of the most electric players in this year's Big 12, period.

The multi-threat QB from nearby Copperas Cove had a huge 2010, throwing for 22 TDs and only eight INTs while running for 635 yards and eight more TDs.

Griffin led the Bears to a 7-6 season, including a Texas Bowl appearance against Illinois in 2010. He is the biggest reason why Baylor fans are optimistic heading into the 2011 season.

Griffin has also been named on the 2011 Davey O'Brien watch list.

1. Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Landry Jones emerged last year as one of the premier quarterbacks in the country (4,718 yards, 38 TDs, 12 INTs).

Jones may have one of the nation's most talented receiving corps, led by Ryan Broyles. With four of five offensive linemen returning for the Sooners, head coach Bob Stoops must be chomping at the bit ready for another stellar season in Norman.

Jones is one of four Big 12 QBs to be named on the preseason Davey O'Brien watch list.