College Football Power Ranking: The Top 25 Quarterbacks Heading Into Week 3

A great week of college football is in the books. This wasn't a warmup week like most of the games on opening weekend; this was the the real deal: nitty, gritty, good stuff. 

We saw Miami and Ohio State faceoff, Alabama crush Penn State, Georgia and South Carolina get things started in the SEC, an instant classic between Michigan and Notre Dame, and probably the biggest upset of the season when James Madison defeated Virginia Tech.

As we said, a great week of college football is in the books. 

No quarterback emerged from Week 2 action with more hype and fuel for their Heisman campaign than Michigan's Denard Robinson. 

In case you missed it, Robinson lit up the stat sheet like few have done. The performance was good enough to put him at the forefront of the Heisman conversation. 

But where does Robinson rank among the top 25 quarterbacks heading into Week 3?

25. Zach Collaros, Cincinnati

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Zach Collaros #12 of the the Cincinnati Bearcats looks to pass in the fourth quarter of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Nippert Stadium on November 13, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bearcats won th

2010 Stats: Yards: 349 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 60.3 / Rating: 127.96

After a decent showing in Cincinnati's loss to Fresno State on opening weekend, Collaros began to show fans why there was so much hype about him entering the season with his play in Week 2. 

The first-year starter didn't blow up the scoreboard, but he was very effective in the Bearcats 40-7 win over Indiana State. 

He passed for 130 yards on 11-17 passing with a pair of touchdowns and had a third touchdown on the ground. 

24. John Brantley, Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback John Brantley #12 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Im

2010 Stats: Yards: 285 / TD: 4 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 62.5 / Rating: 128.82

Brantley hasn't been too impressive in his first couple of games replacing Tim Tebow, but at the same time he's shown a good amount of progress. 

He makes the the top 25 partially based on upside, partially based on performance, but unless he puts up a good showing against Tennessee in Week 3, a new name will find their way onto the list. 

Brantley was decent against South Florida after a rough start in the opener vs. Miami (OH). SEC play will be the big determiner. 

23. T.J. Yates, North Carolina

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Quarterback T.J. Yates #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the LSU Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 412 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 60.9 / Rating: 157.63 

Many North Carolina fans were upset when Yates didn't appear on the first installment of the power rankings after his Week 1 performance against LSU. 

And rightly so. Yates threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns against a very tough Tigers secondary and nearly pulled off the fourth quarter comeback. 

A little too much faith was given to unproven passers after Week 1, but with a few names dropping off the list, room had to be made for Yates. 

22. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Taylor Potts #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

2010 Stats: Yards: 652 / TD: 7 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 64.7 / Rating: 153.87

Potts doesn't get a whole lot of credit for his skills in Texas Tech's pass-happy offense and even though his 2010 competition hasn't been difficult, there's no keeping him out of the top 25 for now. 

Potts followed up a 359-yard, four-touchdown performance against Southern Methodist with a 293-yard, three-touchdown performance against New Mexico.

All that with 65 percent completion and zero interceptions makes him one of the top statistical passers in the country right now.

21. Jeremiah Masoli, Mississippi

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NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 11: Jeremiah Masoli #8 of the Ole Miss Rebels looks to pass the ball against the the Tulane Green Wave at the Louisiana Superdome on September 11, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ole Miss defeated Tulane 27-13. (Photo by Chris G

2010 Stats: Yards: 390 / TD: 1 / INT: 2 / CMP%: 70 / Rating: 176.87 / Rushing Yards: 56 / AVG: 4.0 / TD: 1

Jeremiah Masoli wasn't expected to play in 2010, but things worked out in his favor and through two weeks, he's getting back to his old form.

Some might have an issue with Masoli appearing in the top 25, but remember he was considered a Heisman hopeful before things went sour at Oregon. 

With over 300 total yards against Tulane and two touchdowns, Masoli has locked down the starting quarterback gig at Ole Miss. 

20. Kevin Riley, Cal

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BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Kevin Riley #13 of the California Golden Bears passes against the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 455 / TD: 7 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 65.9 / Rating: 205.27

Riley followed up an solid showing against UC Davis with an equally impressive performance against future Pac-10 rival Colorado. 

Not many observers have given Riley much credit to this point, but after his hot start to the season, that may start to change. 

With seven touchdown passes through two games and no interceptions, Riley has led Cal to a 2-0 start with the team averaging 52 ppg. 

19. Cameron Newton, Auburn

2010 Stats: Yards: 322 / TD: 5 / INT: 1 / CMP%: 60.6 / Rating: 185.51 / Rushing Yards: 241 / AVG: 7.3 / TD: 2

Newton wasn't as sharp in Week 2, facing off against an underrated Mississippi State defense that nearly pulled off the massive upset. 

To this point, he's a much better rusher than passer and needs to work on his accuracy and consistency to really take his game to the next level. 

Still, over 200 total yards and a pair of touchdowns isn't really a bad day at work either. 

18. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Quarterback Richy Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rolls out of the pocket against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Iowa won 24

2010 Stats: Yards: 433 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 70.7 / Rating: 183.59 

Stanzi is off to a good start in 2010 after hobbling to the finish line last year with a nagging ankle injury.

Not many people will consider the Hawkeyes passer an elite talent, but he's efficient and so far this season is mistake-free. 

Iowa has cruised past some easy opposition and plays Arizona next in what will be the team's first real contest of the season. 

17. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 7: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers runs to pass the ball during the game against the Baylor Bears at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Image

2010 Stats: Yards: 501 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 75.9 / Rating: 141.75

Gabbert is in the same boat as several other top 25 passers that have yet to face any serious competition and, as a result, remain question marks with potentially inflated statistics. 

Gabbert proved himself to be a solid quarterback last season though, so until he does anything to prove himself differently, there's really no argument against him being ranked so highly. 

San Diego State and Miami (OH) are next, but the road gets bumpier after that; that'll be the real test for Gabbert. 

16. Christian Ponder, Florida State

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NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

2010 Stats: Yards: 280 / TD: 4 / INT: 3 / CMP%: 54.8 / Rating: 127.91

After a a near flawless game against Samford on opening weekend, Ponder played quite the opposite against Oklahoma Week 2. 

Granted, the level of competition doesn't get much harder, but Ponder looked lost out there and played at a level far below the elite. 

The Seminoles quarterback was 11-28 for 113 yards with two interceptions in the blowout loss to the Sooners. He'll look to get back on track against BYU. 

15. Jacory Harris, Miami

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 442 / TD: 4 / INT: 4 / CMP%: 63.0 / Rating: 141.35

Playing on the road against Ohio State isn't easy for anyone, but more was expected for Jacory Harris in Miami's 36-24 loss to the Buckeyes. 

Harris threw four interceptions on the day, putting the Hurricanes defense in terrible position all game long.

While a couple of his picks came down to a lack of communication with his receivers and sloppy hands downfield, there's no denying that Harris played awfully in this one. He'll have the chance for redemption against Pitt. 

14. Russell Wilson, NC State

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RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Russell Wilson #16 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack drops back to pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 3, 2009 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Str

2010 Stats: Yards: 411 / TD: 5 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 50.8 / Rating: 134.47

Wilson didn't look like his usual self in N.C. State's 28-21 win over UCF on Saturday. He threw for just 105 yards off a miserable 10-30 passing, with one touchdown on the day. 

The lack of accuracy and general ineffectiveness wasn't something we're used to seeing from Wilson, but he gets the benefit of the doubt on this one. 

We'll chalk it up as an off day and expect a whole lot more against Cincinnati.

13. Case Keenum, Houston

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Case Keenum #7 of the Houston Cougars throws the ball against the Tulane Green Wave at the Louisiana Superdome on October 17, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 553 / TD: 5 / INT: 3 / CMP%: 69.6 / Rating: 193.38 

Keenum is currently seen as day-to-day after suffering a concussion in Houston's 54-24 win over UTEP on Friday. He took a nasty hit after throwing an interception late in the third quarter and didn't return to the contest.

So far, the results have been mixed for Keenum. He's played well, but the Cougars have relied more on their running game than in past years and his stats have declined as a result. 

You'd like to see less interceptions, with three on the year to this point. Unfortunately it looks doubtful that'll he'll play when Houston heads to UCLA.

12. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball during the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hokies beat the Volunteers 3

2010 Stats: Yards: 310 / TD: 3 / INT: 1 / CMP%: 65.8 / Rating: 155.10 / Rushing Yards: 159 / AVG: 5.9 / TD: 0

Taylor got the benefit of the doubt against Boise State in Week 1, but it's hard to give it to him again after the way he and the Hokies played against James Madison on Saturday. 

By far the biggest upset of the year, Virginia Tech got embarrassed in the 21-16 loss. Taylor was 10-16 for 124 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He added another 86 yards on the ground. 

Those numbers aren't terrible, but this is James Madison we're talking about, and a game the Hokies lost. Taylor came into the year as a top-five quarterback, but it's hard to think of him that way after this past week. 

11. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Jerrod Johnson #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to throw the ball downfield to an open receiver against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. The

2010 Stats: Yards: 671 / TD: 6 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 67.9 / Rating: 165.60 / Rushing Yards: 56 / AVG: 3.3 / TD: 1

Johnson is off to a red-hot start in 2010, passing for 300 yards in each game he's played and scoring no less than three total touchdowns per contest. 

Against Louisiana Tech in Week 2, Johnson accounted for 399 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Aggies to a 48-16 victory. 

OK, Louisiana Tech isn't exactly the best judgment of performance, but numbers are still numbers. Expect Johnson to do it again vs. FIU. 

10. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

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WACO, TX - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Robert Griffin #10 of the Baylor Bears drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners at Floyd Casey Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 539 / TD: 4 / INT: 1 / CMP%: 54.9 / Rating: 134.48 / Rushing Yards: 86 / AVG: 7.8 / TD: 3

Griffin looks to be in good form to start the 2010 season and that should lead to a much better outlook for Baylor compared to the turnout a year ago. 

The Bears star quarterback has played very well in the team's two blowouts to open the season, throwing for 242 yards against Sam Houston State and 297 yards against Buffalo.

TCU is up next. If Griffin can keep it up against the No. 4 team in the country, they'll be no denying he belongs among the elite at the position. 

9. Matt Barkley, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. USC won 17-14. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty I

2010 Stats: Yards: 459 / TD: 7 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 65.5 / Rating: 171.82

Barkley wasn't quite as good in Week 2 as he was in Week 1, struggling with his accuracy in a game that was closer than it should have been. 

He did most of his damage in the first half, where both of his touchdown passes occurred, finishing the night with 202 yards off 20-35 passing. 

That kind of play won't cut it against the elite teams, but at least he isn't turning the ball over. The matchup with Jake Locker and Washington in a few weeks is one we're already waiting for on this end. 

8. Greg McElroy, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 447 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 72.5 / Rating: 191.12

McElroy won't wow you, but he's a leader on the field who plays with smarts and precision, and to this point in the year has been about as consistent as it gets. 

Against Penn State, McElroy was 16-24 for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns, playing mistake-free ball in Alabama's 24-3 victory. 

Having one of the best running games in the country helps a lot, but McElroy really doesn't get enough credit for what he does out there. 

7. Andrew Luck, Stanford

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Andrew Luck #12 of Stanford passes in the pocket against UCLA during the game at the Rose Bowl on September 11, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 467 / TD: 6 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 59.6 / Rating: 185.16

Luck wasn't able to reproduce his Week 1 stats against UCLA in Week 2, but he still looked good as the Cardinal shutout the Bruins 35-0. 

Luck was 11-24 for 151 yards and two touchdowns, adding 63 yards on the ground as well.

You'd like to see better accuracy than that from one of the nation's top passers, but in a win like that there isn't too much to complain about. 

6. Landry Jones, Oklahoma

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

2010 Stats: Yards: 597 / TD: 6 / INT: 2 / CMP%: 61.8 / Rating: 148.61 

Jones didn't just play well against Florida State in Week 2; he played arguably the best pure passing game of the week. 

There was no question who the better team was on Saturday, with the Sooners wiping the floor with the Seminoles to the tune of 47-17. 

The main reason for that was Jones passing for 380 yards and four touchdowns with a 75 percent completion rate. 

5. Kellen Moore, Boise State

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

2010 Stats: Yards: 215 / TD: 3 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 60.5 / Rating: 134.11

Moore and Boise State were off this week, which gave some other quarterbacks a chance to pass him in the rankings. 

He proved every bit his worth against a tough Virginia Tech defense on last week though, leading Boise State to a comeback victory in the final minutes of the game. 

The Broncos are for real and so is Moore. Look for him to have a solid year from here on out. 

4. Denard Robinson, Michigan

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines pushes off a tackle attempt by Manti Te'o #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the final minute at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Michigan de

2010 Stats: Yards: 430 / TD: 2 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 69.4 / Rating: 138.25 / Rushing Yards: 455 / AVG: 8.0 / TD: 3

Robinson has taken the country by storm and emerged almost out of no where to become one of the hottest, if not the hottest, names in all of college football. 

His Week 1 performance against Connecticut was impressive, but it was the followup at Notre Dame that turned any doubters into believers. 

Robinson accounted for over 500 yards through the air and on the ground, leading Michigan to a huge win over Notre Dame. 

3. Jake Locker, Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies looks down field against the Syracuse Orange on September 11, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 555 / TD: 5 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 60.0 / Rating: 150.18

Locker looked more like his usual self against Syracuse in Week 2 and renewed hope that he might bring a Heisman back to Washington. 

Locker was 22-33 for 289 yards and four touchdowns, adding another 12 yards on the ground in the Huskies 41-20 victory. 

He has yet to really blow up in 2010, but we're still talking about a premiere passer. If he plays well against Nebraska, then the fans can really start their Heisman cheers. 

2. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 480 / TD: 4 / INT: 0 / CMP%: 55.8 / Rating: 158.69 / Rushing Yards: 130 / AVG: 4.6 / TD: 1

Pryor looked very good in Ohio State's victory over Miami, proving that he, and not Jacory Harris, was the Heisman candidate on the day. Pryor threw for 233 yards and a touchdown, adding another 113 yards and a score on the ground. 

You would have liked to see better accuracy than 12-27, but Miami's defense is formidable and he played well enough to lead the Buckeyes to victory.

Alabama and Ohio State have really started separating themselves from the herd now. 

1. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Cowboys Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

2010 Stats: Yards: 701 / TD: 6 / INT: 2 / CMP% 73.1 / Rating: 184.61

Ryan Mallett has yet to face off with some serious competition, but he was the top-rated quarterback coming into the year and hasn't done anything to change that yet. 

He threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns against Louisiana-Monroe, adding a fourth score on the ground. 

Arkansas has Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Mississippi coming up next. That's plenty of competition for Mallett to prove his worth.