College Football Rankings, Week 2: Starting QB for BCS Top 25 Teams
Week 2 of the BCS standings were released on Sunday night, and the Auburn Tigers find themselves ranked No. 1 overall after their big win over LSU on Saturday.
Now, we all know how big of a factor quarterback play is in the modern college football world. Quarterbacks have become the most important element in numerous college offenses around the country.
They must know the offense better than any player outside of the center, must be able to read and react to defensive sets and make smart decisions under pressure.
For proof of this, one need look no further than Auburn, where junior passer Cam Newton has revitalized a moribund offense with his skills.
But where does Newton rank amongst the top quarterbacks of the BCS Top 25? We're breaking down the position on every team and ranking every quarterback who finds themselves ranked in the top 25. We'll be using statistics, potential, leadership, and other intangibles to determine these rankings.
Let's get started.
25. Chris Relf/Tyler Russell, Mississippi State
1 of 25
Potential: 6/10. Relf is a big, powerful runner and has a decent arm, while Russell is more of a pocket passer, used in certain spots in games. Relf is the starter but Russell has gotten significant playing time this season, helping him to develop his excellent potential.
Production: 2/10. Relf has racked up 1,200 total yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns, but he's not a great passer. Russell has shown some promise in the pocket, but he's struggled with turnovers, throwing five picks despite not playing every down.
Leadership: 6/10. These two have done a good job of running the offense, but their numbers, even combined, scream "Game Manager."
Intangibles: 5/10. Mississippi State's offense has struggled to click all season; imagine how bad things would be if these two weren't running the show.
The Verdict: A low-scoring system and inexperience have troubled these two, who could have potential next season if they continue to develop.
24. Jordan Jefferson, LSU
2 of 25
Potential: 9/10. Jefferson has been called the most talented quarterback in the SEC since he got to Baton Rouge three years ago. He's big, fast and has an excellent arm, much like former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell.
Production: 1/10. Much like Russell, Jefferson has yet to live up to the hype, struggling to find any rhythm in his passing game, making poor decisions and generally being a waste of space on the field. He has thrown for 150-or-more yards just once, but he's only broken the 100-yard rushing mark once this season as well.
Leadership: 1/10. Jefferson is anything but a leader on the field, often seeming disinterested in the result of the game. Why do you think Les Miles has benched him on multiple occasions? His decision making is in the tank, and it remains to be seen whether he can ever put all of that talent to use.
Intangibles: 1/10. Jefferson has been one of the most maddening players in the history of LSU, frustrating fans, coaches and pundits, who see his talent going to waste thanks to turnovers and poor decision making.
The Verdict: Can Jefferson ever build on his considerable talents? At this point, it's anyone's guess. But signs are pointing towards no.
23. Matt Scott, Arizona
3 of 25
Potential: 5/10. Scott is a solid quarterback, but he's not the kind of talent starter Nick Foles was before his injury. He doesn't have the arm or the mobility to match Foles' production.
Production: 5/10. Scott has been solid in replacement duty, racking up 372 yards and two touchdowns in his two games as Foles' replacement. But he's struggled to put up the big numbers his counterpart has.
Leadership: 4/10. Scott is not one of the team leaders like Nick Foles was. But he's no Jordan Jefferson, either.
Intangibles: 3/10. All you need to know is that Scott was the backup quarterback.
The Verdict: A decent replacement, but the Wildcats need Nick Foles back sooner rather than later.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
22. Jacory Harris, Miami (FL)
4 of 25
Potential: 8/10. Harris has shown us on a regular basis what he can be: a dynamic pocket passer with the arm and accuracy to be one of college football's elite quarterbacks.
Production: 5/10. Harris is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in football. He has yet to throw for fewer than 200 yards in a game in 2010, but he's thrown 10 interceptions, as well. It's a mystery which Harris will show up each week—the one who can light up opposing defenses with precision and power, or the one who threw four interceptions to blow his team's chances at beating Ohio State.
Leadership: 5/10. Harris is a mature player who shows good leadership skills in the huddle. But it's hard to be a leader when you keep turning the ball over.
Intangibles: 3/10. Jacory just doesn't feel like he's ready to be an elite quarterback in college or the pros. He could use a bit more seasoning.
The Verdict: If Harris could stop throwing picks, he'd be a fantastic quarterback. The problem is, he doesn't show signs of that ever happening.
21. Christian Ponder, Florida State
5 of 25
Potential: 6/10. Christian Ponder is a senior who has always seemed to be on the verge of greatness. He's got a good arm, good mobility, and solid accuracy as a passer and, despite being a senior quarterback, still seems to have room to grow.
Production: 5/10. Ponder has yet to have an excellent season at Florida State, and 2010 is no exception. He's been good, but not great, as his 12 touchdowns and seven picks illustrate.
Leadership: 6/10. Ponder has always felt like the type who should be a leader on the field, but he never seems to be able to quite deliver on that.
Intangibles: 5/10. Ponder has been good, but what makes him so frustrating to fans is the fact that, for whatever reason, you always felt like he could be so much better.
The Verdict: Always on the cusp of great things, Ponder won't quite climb the mountain to reach greatness.
20. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina
6 of 25
Potential: 7/10. Good mobility, strong arm, and good pocket presence made Garcia a strong recruit for Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks.
Production: 6/10. Garcia always seems to fall just short of expectations, his career marred by inconsistency and the occasional benching. And 2010 is no exception, as he's already thrown for over 1,600 yards, but has six interceptions as well.
Leadership: 7/10. Garcia is fully capable of rallying the troops and rising to the occasion (like the Alabama game), but he's just as likely to get benched, as he has on several occasions in his career.
Intangibles: 5/10. Another guy who could be labeled a disappointment, depending on how the rest of this season plays out. Even with his struggles, his benchings always seemed like a surprise.
The Verdict: A solid quarterback who is still mistake prone.
19. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
7 of 25
Potential: 6/10. Weeden has got a big arm, and good mobility and pocket presence. He's a junior, but this is his first season as a starter. Expect him to continue to improve.
Production: 7/10. Weeden has been producing at a remarkable rate in 2010, racking up 2,249 yards and 21 touchdowns in seven games. However, he's struggled with his picks, throwing nine in the same amount of time.
Leadership: 6/10. For all intents and purposes, Brandon looks capable of leading the Cowboys.
Intangibles: 3/10. Much like Texas Tech, Oklahoma State's spread offense skews quarterbacks' stats every season, making it hard to know how talented a guy like Brandon Weeden really is.
The Verdict: Hard to say how much of OSU's success is tied to Weeden, and how much is tied to its soft early-season schedule and offensive system.
18. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
8 of 25
Potential: 8/10. Another Michael Vick-esque quarterback, senior Tyrod Taylor has all of the skills to be one of college football's most exciting players. He's got a big arm and unmatched speed and power running the ball.
Production: 6/10. Taylor has avoided turning the ball over in 2010, and he's looked the best he ever has throwing the ball. Still, he's stuck in a relatively conservative offense, and that's hindered his ability to show what he can do.
Leadership: 4/10. Real leaders don't let their teams lose to James Madison.
Intangibles: 4/10. Taylor has never had that much press about him, particularly after Virginia Tech's slow start to 2010. He's never seemed like as dynamic a talent as Vick or Terrelle Pryor was.
The Lowdown: A good quarterback, who could have been a great one.
17. Jordan Wynn/Terrence Cain, Utah
9 of 25
Potential: 7/10. Between them, these two could make one heck of a quarterback. They're both big armed quarterbacks with good pocket presence and either one could be a full time starter at most schools.
Production: 7/10. Between them, Wynn and Cain have racked up 1,800 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. Wynn still struggles with interceptions on occasion, but Cain is a veteran passer who doesn't make many mistakes.
Leadership: 6/10. Both guys can lead the team, but when you've got two capable quarterbacks it can be tough to figure out which one is a true leader.
Intangibles: 5/10. Utah has been excellent at developing quarterbacks in recent years, so how much of its success is the system?
The Verdict: Both are hurt by the other's presence, but together, they're excellent passers.
16. Greg McElroy, Alabama
10 of 25
Potential: 4/10. McElroy has got a big arm and good decision making skills, but he is what he's going to be as a college quarterback at this point.
Production: 6/10. McElroy has turned into a strong passer who doesn't make many mistakes. He doesn't throw a ton, but with the backfield Alabama has, who would want to?
Leadership: 8.5/10. Greg has been a stabilizing force in 2010, as the Crimson Tide defend their title.
Intangibles: 7/10. Better than people think, and the fact he's put up the numbers he has in the system he's in is impressive.
The Verdict: Better than you think he is, McElroy's hurt by a Nick Saban's run-heavy system.
15. Robert Griffin III, Baylor
11 of 25
Potential: 7/10. Griffin has the potential to be one of college football's best. With his arm and speed, he's a threat whenever the ball is in his hands.
Production: 7/10. Griffin has been sensational in 2010, albeit largely against lackluster opposition. When the schedule gets tough, can he keep it going?
Leadership: 7/10. Griffin is the unquestioned leader of the Bears' offense.
Intangibles: 4/10. Griffin takes a hit playing for Baylor, and it's possible he's a system quarterback who's capitalizing on weak opposition.
The Verdict: Is Griffin good? Yes. Is he great? We'll know by season's end.
14. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
12 of 25
Potential: 9/10. Pryor has the tools to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.
Production: 7/10. Terrelle has shown great improvement in his junior year throwing the ball, cutting down on the poor decisions that plagued him his first two seasons as a Buckeye. Still, he can be neutralized, as evidenced against both Illinois and Wisconsin.
Leadership: 7/10. Pryor is becoming more of a team leader with each passing game.
Intangibles: 7/10. His decision making is getting better and better, and the hype surrounding him when he came into college is seeming more and more justified.
The Verdict: Another year of seasoning, and he could top this list. But for now, he rests in the top 15.
13. Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
13 of 25
Potential: 5/10. Tolzien is what he will be at the college level. He's got a strong arm, decent mobility and good accuracy.
Production: 7/10. For having one of college football's best runners in John Clay poaching touchdowns, Tolzien'has been solid in 2010, racking up eight scores and over 1,500 yards. He's thrown just four interceptions on the year.
Leadership: 8/10. Tolzien is undoubtedly one of Wisconsin's on-field leaders, and he does a good job of keeping his team focused.
Intangibles: 8/10. Tolzien seems like one of those guys you love having on your football team, and he's definitely a high character guy.
The Verdict: A great college quarterback who probably won't get a great shot at the NFL.
12. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
14 of 25
Potential: 10/10. Considering he's one of college football's best players as a freshman, Martinez has a ton of potential. Big arm, fast and tough to tackle.
Production: 6.5/10. He doesn't throw the ball much, which hurts, but he racks up rushing yards by the bushel. He still struggles with turnovers on occasion, but for a freshman, he's excellent.
Leadership: 6/10. Hard for a freshman to get high leadership marks, but Martinez comes close. He's the heart and soul of the Huskers' offense.
Intangibles: 8/10. Taylor Martinez feels like a winner, the kind of kid you want quarterbacking your football team.
The Verdict: He's good now, but he'll be great in a year or two, once he gets more polish.
11. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
15 of 25
Potential: 8.5/10. The big kid from Mizzou has a cannon, and could turn into one of college football's best.
Production: 9/10. Gabbert is throwing the ball all over the field, minimizing turnovers and making big plays when they matter.
Leadership: 8/10. Gabbert is one of his team's leaders, and he's proven capable in the clutch. For proof, look at how he dismantled Oklahoma on Saturday.
Intangibles: 6/10. It remains to be seen whether Gabbert's success is a result of the high-powered system in Columbia, or if he's really that good.
The Verdict: Give him a year, and he could crack the top five. But for now, he sits just outside the top 10.
10. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
16 of 25
Potential: 9/10. With his arm and accuracy, Landry Jones could be one of the better quarterbacks in college football when all is said and done.
Production: 9/10. Jones has been excellent in 2010, racking up over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. He throws interceptions in bunches, which hurts him, but those bunches have gotten fewer and further between in 2010.
Leadership: 6/10. Jones has done a good job of stepping up in close games, but he couldn't close things out against Mizzou.
Intangibles: 6/10. People seem to think Jones has been disappointing, when in fact his numbers say otherwise. Still, this team could easily have been undefeated right now if Jones had avoided the interceptions against Mizzou.
The Verdict: A good quarterback, Jones needs a little more time to join the elites.
9. Andy Dalton, TCU
17 of 25
Potential: 5/10. Dalton is a senior, so he is what he will be on the college level.
Production: 6.5/10. Dalton's numbers this year have been a bit of a disappointment, but he's overcome his early turnover struggles and is throwing and running with conviction now.
Leadership: 10/10. Dalton is this team's leader. He's cool and collected with the game on the line.
Intangibles: 8/10. Andy Dalton is an excellent quarterback trapped in a system that doesn't give him much opportunity to show what he can do.
The Verdict: A great quarterback who seems to have overcome his turnover troubles from the early season.
8. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
18 of 25
Potential: 7/10. Cousins is a big guy with a strong arm and great pocket presence. He's got good mobility and, as a junior, can still do some growing.
Production: 9/10. Cousins has been fantastic in 2010, racking up nearly 2,000 yards in eight games thus far. He's avoided turning the ball over much, throwing just four picks, and has scored 14 touchdowns through the air.
Leadership: 8/10. Where would the Spartans be without Cousins? In deep trouble, that's where.
Intangibles: 7/10. Cousins seems like a good player to have around, a hard worker who is developing into a great talent.
The Verdict: Kirk Cousins is a great college quarterback and the heart and soul of Michigan State's offense.
7. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
19 of 25
Potential: 8/10. Mallett could be a great NFL quarterback, with his combination of size, power and accuracy.
Production: 8/10. He's been one of college football's most productive quarterbacks, racking up 300 yard games on a regular basis. He needs to avoid the interceptions, though.
Leadership: 6/10. Mallett is a leader on the Razorbacks' squad, but he's got a nasty habit of fading in close games, like against Alabama.
Intangibles: 6/10. Scouts seem to love Mallett, but something just seems off about him. He's got all the tools, but something's missing.
The Verdict: A great quarterback who felt as though he could have been even better.
6. Darron Thomas, Oregon
20 of 25
Potential: 9/10. Thomas has the skills to be an elite player in college football when he's a senior. Strong, accurate arm, good decision making and faster than many wideouts in college football.
Production: 8.5/10. Darron's production has been superb, as he's continually put up big numbers against good opponents all season long. He struggles with interceptions on occasion, but those moments are infrequent.
Leadership: 7/10. Thomas stepped up to fill the void left by departed quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, and has done so excellently.
Intangibles: 7/10. Unlike Dennis Dixon and other quarterbacks who had similar skill sets to Thomas, he feels like he could be a viable NFL quarterback.
The Verdict: Thomas is on the verge of becoming one of college football's best players.
5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
21 of 25
Potential: 4/10. Kaepernick has filled most of his potential as a senior at Nevada, and he's turned into a fantastic quarterback.
Production: 10/10 Running the ball, throwing the ball, Kaepernick can do it all.
Leadership: 8/10. He's the only thing standing between Nevada and complete irrelevancy, but he faded badly against Hawaii.
Intangibles: 8.5/10. Kaepernick's got everything you could want in a quarterback, and he's as tough a kid as you'll find in college football.
The Verdict: Kaepernick's true dual threat status makes him a top five talent.
4. Andrew Luck, Stanford
22 of 25
Potential: 7/10. Luck is getting better with each passing game, but he hasn't reached his ceiling yet.
Production: 8/10. Andrew has been one of college football's most productive passers in 2010, throwing for over 1,700 yards, 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Leadership: 9/10. Luck is the unquestioned leader at Stanford, and has a habit of stepping up big when they need him to.
Intangibles: 7.5/10. I've seen Luck play in person, and he's an excellent player. He can read and pick apart a defense as well as anyone in football, and his decision making is second to none.
The Verdict: Easily one of the best quarterbacks in college football, Luck just keeps getting better.
3. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
23 of 25
Potential: 3/10. Stanzi has filled his potential, so there's not much left for him to do.
Production: 9/10. Ricky has figured out how to limit turnovers this season, and his numbers look sterling.
Leadership: 10/10. Anytime a guy is famous for fourth quarter heroics, you know he's a team leader. Ask yourself where Iowa would be right now if Stanzi weren't its quarterback.
Intangibles: 9/10. I hope someone takes a chance on him in the draft, because he's well worth the risk.
The Verdict: Stanzi is the soul of the Hawkeyes and is talented enough to be one of college football's best.
2. Kellen Moore, Boise State
24 of 25
Potential: 4/10. Moore has filled much of his potential and has turned into one of the best quarterbacks in football.
Production: 10/10. When you consider he's only playing three quarters every game, Moore's stats are impressive.
Leadership: 10/10. A three-year starter, Moore has been a leader since he first set foot on the smurf turf.
Intangibles: 9/10. This kid just wins football games. He finds ways to make plays with his arm and without him, Boise would be sunk.
The Verdict: One of college football's most underappreciated passers, Moore is also one of its best.
1. Cam Newton, Auburn
25 of 25
Potential: 9/10. Sure, he's a junior, but Newton is still learning to play quarterback at the college level. Scary, right?
Production: 10/10. Anytime a quarterback is the team's leading passer, leading rusher, and leading scorer, you know he's pretty darned good.
Leadership: 9/10. Newton is the lifeblood of Auburn's offense, and he's definitely the team's leader.
Intangibles: 10/10. Where would the Tigers be without Cameron Newton? How does 4-4 sound?
The Verdict: He's the best quarterback in football right now, hands down. At the very least, he's the best quarterback out of the top 25 teams in the country.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
