Ohio State Football: Power Ranking Top 5 QBs Buckeyes Will Battle in 2012

When breaking down Ohio State's upcoming schedule, I realized something—the Buckeyes don't face a top-tier quarterback this season.

Not only do they not play a high-quality signal-caller, but the ones that they do face all have significant flaws which will hold them back from performing at a prominent level.

Still, all hold the ability to provide some problems for the Ohio State defense and have dynamic players that surround them on the offensive side of the ball.

Here is a power ranking of the five best quarterbacks the Buckeyes will battle this fall. 

5. Zac Dysert, Miami (Oh.)

Ohio State will take on one of the Mid-American's best quarterbacks this Saturday with all-conference player Zac Dysert under center for Miami (Oh.).

Dysert, a senior, is a four-year starter for the RedHawks and is coming off a stellar season: He completed 295-of-448 (65.8 percent) of his passes for 3,513 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2011.

The 6'4", 230-pound Ohio native has all the attributes to have an explosive final collegiate campaign, including a dynamic junior receiver with Nick Harwell—who finished with 97 receptions for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore—returning to the field.

Unfortunately for Dysert, he plays for a team that won just four games last year, and although it should be improved, it lacks the talent to hang with the big boys.

Dysert's offensive line and backfield will prevent him to play up to his potential, as he was sacked 46 times last season while the running game placed last in the NCAA with 73.8 rushing yards per game. 

 

4. Danny O'Brien, Wisconsin

Danny O'Brien was replaced as Maryland's starter just four games into the 2011 regular season by C.J. Brown (who just tore his ACL). This was due to his poor decision-making and inability to hold onto the ball.

However, he's now on a team that's on an entirely different level in terms of talent.

O'Brien fits into Wisconsin coach Brett Bielema's offensive scheme perfectly. He won't be asked to be the best playmaker on the field, make over-extensive reads and will rarely have a 3rd-and-long situation where it's up to him to make something happen.

The Badgers have Montee Ball and James White to take care of most of the offensive production behind an offensive line that has proved stout year in and year out, and O'Brien will enjoy a defense that could potentially be the best in the conference. 

3. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

The picture on the left says it all for Taylor Martinez. His odd throwing motion makes him an inaccurate thrower (57.4 percent career) and an easy turnover target for defensive linemen in the backfield.

Martinez will never be an efficient passing quarterback, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to avoid sacks, scramble outside the pocket and grab yardage with his legs.

In two seasons, he's rushed for 1,839 yards and more touchdowns (21) than he has through the air (20).

The dual-threat caused issues for the Ohio State defense in last year's meeting, as he compiled 293 total yards and three scores. But you can guarantee that a more experienced Buckeyes defense will be better prepared for October 6.

 

2. Denard Robinson, Michigan

If Denard Robinson weren't such an incredibly inconsistent passer, he'd be a no-brainer as the No. 1 quarterback on this list.

But he is, and he's not.

I'd like to consider Robinson as an extremely talented athlete playing the position, with the ability to throw the ball when the receiver is wide open and there is no pressure in the backfield.

Robinson completed 55.0 percent of his passes last year, which ranked 98th in the nation. He owns a career 1.3-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, which is horrendous for an FBS starting quarterback.

In other words, for every 8.4 completions, Robinson gives the ball away to the other team.

Robinson is a reckless player, but it's also a reason why he's one of the most compelling athletes with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to score at any time, which makes him a Heisman contender heading into the 2012 season.

And Ohio State fans know just how deadly he can be. 

1. Andrew Maxwell, Michigan State

This may come to a surprise for some, but for those who have paid attention to the college football offseason—and Michigan State, for that matter—realize that the departure of Kirk Cousins to the NFL isn't going to hurt Sparty much on offense.

Fourth-year junior Andrew Maxwell has had three seasons to sit under Cousins and learn what it takes to be a successful collegiate quarterback. He saw some field time as a backup, completing 29-of-51 passes (56.7 percent) for 294 yards and a touchdown.

Although he hasn't started a single game, Maxwell already looks the part to lead MSU to what could be a championship-caliber season and has earned the role of captain from his teammates.

The 6'3", 210-pound Michigan native is the perfect example of a pure pocket passer. He has elite presence and awareness, is calm, shows balance and leadership, and can make reads at the line before making a strong, accurate throw anywhere on the field.

Maxwell won't be asked to carry the load in his first season under center, either, with a run-friendly offense installed behind junior running back Le'Vonte Bell. Still, the Spartans return a solid receivers corps and an offensive line that will allow plenty of time to make all the throws.

Ohio State travels to East Lansing for its first away game on September 29 in what could be its biggest test of the season.


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