College Football Power Rankings: The Top 25 Quarterbacks Heading into Week 10

In a week in which two undefeated teams suffered crushing losses to conference foes, we saw a few quarterbacks come up way short in big games, while others shined.

Blaine Gabbert and Kirk Cousins were hardly impressive for Missouri and Michigan State, respectively. But guys like Darron Thomas, Ricky Stanzi and Robert Griffin were stellar. 

At the top of the rankings, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton had relatively quiet performances. But are they still the kings of the quarterbacks?

Here are the power rankings for the top 25 quarterbacks heading into Week 10.

25. Aaron Murray, Georgia

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs attempts a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,079 / CMP%: 60.4 / TD: 15 / INT: 6 / Rating: 152.67 / Rushing Yards: 189 / AVG: 2.9 / TD: 4

Not the best of weeks for Murray to make his first appearance in the top 25, after his interception in overtime led to Georgia's first loss in four games.

He also threw for over 300 yards with three touchdowns in the contest and played nearly mistake free in the second half after a bumpy start. 

24. Jake Locker, Washington

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies is tackled by Chase Thomas #44 of the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,678 / CMP%: 56.1 / TD: 14 / INT: 6 / Rating: 127.30 / Rushing Yards: 253 / AVG: 3.3 / TD: 3

The Washington-Stanford matchup was supposed to be a quarterback battle.

But instead, Stanford's defense held the Huskies scoreless for the first time since 1976. Locker was simply terrible, with 65 total yards and two picks. The broken rib was just injury added to insult. 

23. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,547 / CMP%: 65.2 / TD: 23 / INT: 9 / Rating: 156.13 

Weeden was finally able to put a stop to his interception issues on Saturday.

He'd thrown at least one pick in each of his last four games, but he went turnover free in Oklahoma State's 24-14 win at Kansas State. Weeden threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns in the game. 

22. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 30: Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks gets away from Herman Lathers #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Le

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,904 / CMP%: 70.6 / TD: 13 / INT: 7 / Rating: 167.95 / Rushing Yards: 86 / AVG: 1.4 / TD: 4

Garcia's statline against Tennessee was saved by a couple of short rushing touchdowns in the 38-24 victory.

Otherwise he had a very average day.

Garcia completed under 50 percent of his passes for the first time this season, throwing for 223 yards, a touchdown and an interception. 

21. Nick Foles, Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats throws a pass during the college football game against the Oregon State Beavers at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Image

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,600 / CMP%: 75.3 / TD: 9 / INT: 5 / Rating: 156.37

Foles has sat out the last two games after suffering a sprained knee early in the Wildcats' matchup with Washington State on Oct. 16.

He's expected to start against Stanford this week, as long as he's cleared to play.

20. Andy Dalton, TCU

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs looks to pass against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TCU won 48-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,887 / CMP%: 65.9 / TD: 16 / INT: 5 / Rating: 158.67 / Rushing Yards: 404 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 5

Dalton had another solid game as TCU continued rolling, beating its last five opponents 173-16.

Against UNLV, Dalton was 16-23 for 252 yards and two touchdowns, adding another 30 yards rushing off six carries and a third score. 

19. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers throw downfield during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Missouri 31-17. (Photo by Eric Fran

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,161 / CMP%: 60.0 / TD: 9 / INT: 3 / Rating: 161.02 / Rushing Yards: 886 / AVG: 7.9 / TD: 12

Martinez was knocked out of Nebraska's win over Missouri in the first half with an ankle sprain.

But even before then, he wasn't having the most effective game. The Cornhuskers relied heavily on their rushing attack, and Martinez finished the contest with 115 yards passing and a touchdown. 

18. Bryant Moniz, Hawaii

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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 Stats

Yards: 3,247 / CMP%: 65.7 / TD: 25 / INT: 7 / Rating: 160.02 / Rushing Yards: 114 / AVG: 2.3 / TD: 2

Moniz has the benefit of playing in Hawaii's offensive system, as well as facing several substandard opponents.

But the level at which he's succeeding has to be recognized. He's leading the nation in passing yards by a margin of 655 yards and he has a two-touchdown lead on Brandon Weeden to lead all passers as well. 

17. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers tries to avoid defensive end Pierre Allen #95 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,098 / CMP%: 64.0 / TD: 12 / INT: 4 / Rating: 130.81

We expected Missouri to run into problems against Nebraska's defense, and Gabbert turned out to be no exception to the rule.

He completed just 43 percent of his passes, by far his lowest total of the season, and passed for 199 yards, a touchdown and an interception. 

16. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack runs for a touchdown against the UNLV Rebels in the first quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada Reno won 44-26. (Photo

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,670 / CMP%: 68.1 / TD: 12 / INT: 5 / Rating: 157.00 / Rushing Yards: 771 / AVG: 7.1 / TD: 13

Kaepernick rebounded from his subpar performance against Hawaii a couple of weeks ago to lead Nevada to a 56-42 victory over Utah State.

Kaepernick was 10-for-15 for 190 yards and two touchdowns, adding 102 yards and a touchdown rushing. It was the first time he'd rushed for over 100 yards in five games. 

15. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out to look for receiver against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonat

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,146 / CMP%: 67.2 / TD: 15 / INT: 7 / Rating: 156.75

One bad game doesn't erase a season of work.

But Cousins certainly didn't help his case as one of the nation's premier passers in Michigan State's 37-6 loss to Iowa. He only had eight incomplete passes in the game, but three went for interceptions on a day the Spartans needed to play mistake-free. 

14. Russell Wilson, N.C. State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Russell Wilson #16 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,302 / CMP%: 58.4 / TD: 19 / INT: 10 / Rating: 131.70 / Rushing Yards: 269 / AVG: 3.1 / TD: 5

Wilson failed to pass for over 300 yards for the first time in six games in Week 9.

But NC State pulled off a huge upset over FSU, and Wilson had his best rushing game of the season. He passed for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but he rushed 17 times for 67 yards and three touchdowns as well. 

13. Greg McElroy, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,781 / CMP%: 70.6 / TD: 11 / INT: 3 / Rating: 163.35

McElroy had a better-than-advertised game against Tennessee a couple of weeks back.

Though he failed to find the end zone through the air, he did manage to squeeze a rushing touchdown in to go along with his 264 passing yards on 21-of-32 passing. Alabama was off in Week 9 but it faces LSU next.

12. Denard Robinson, Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Michigan State Spartans on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan State Spartans defeated the

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,509 / CMP%: 65.1 / TD: 10 / INT: 5 / Rating: 155.27 / Rushing Yards: 1,287 / AVG: 7.8 / TD: 12

Penn State got the win against Michigan, but not without allowing Denard Robinson to run wild.

Right as we were starting to wonder if Robinson was fading, he comes back with his best game since Oct. 2. He passed for 190 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns. 

11. Darron Thomas, Oregon

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks runs from the pocket against the USC Trojans during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,827 / CMP%: 60.7 / TD: 21 / INT: 6 / Rating: 160.56 / Rushing Yards: 311 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 2

Thomas and teammate LaMichael James are arguably the best quarterback-running back duo in the nation, and both exploded in Oregon's 53-32 victory over USC on Saturday.

Thomas threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns, with an intercpetion his lone imperfection on the night. 

10. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,602 / CMP%: 63.9 / TD: 15 / INT: 3 / Rating: 171.13 / Rushing Yards: 527 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 3

Taylor continued his hot streak against Duke on Saturday as Virginia Tech won its sixth game in a row.

Taylor wasn't needed for much in the 44-7 victory, completing 13-of-17 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns. 

9. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rolls out against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,997 / CMP%: 67.6 / TD: 20 / INT: 7 / Rating: 165.23 / Rushing Yards: 463 / AVG: 5.5 / TD: 4

Pryor had a solid game against Minnesota, with an interception marring an otherwise perfect performance.

In Ohio State's 52-10 victory, Pryor was 18-of-22 for 222 yards and a pair of touchdowns, adding another 55 yards and a touchdown on the ground.  

8. Matt Barkley, USC

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans passes in the pocket against the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,133 / CMP%: 63.1 / TD: 21 / INT: 6 / Rating: 154.03 

Barkley has been solid all season long.

But he and USC ran into a roadblock by the name of the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, and the result was a blowout loss. Barkley had one of his worst games of the season with a 264-yard, one touchdown, two interception performance in the 53-32 loss. 

7. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes throw under pressure from defensive end Tyler Hoover #91 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iow

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,922 / CMP%: 68.5 / TD: 19 / INT: 2 / Rating: 180.28 

Stanzi was nearly flawless in Iowa's win over Michigan State.

He went 11-for-15 for 190 yards and three touchdowns as the Hawkeyes shredded the Spartans defense all game long in the 37-6 victory. Stanzi's passer rating of 180.28 is second only to Boise State's Kellen Moore. 

6. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,592 / CMP%: 66.7 / TD: 20 / INT: 5 / Rating:  / Rushing Yards: 401 / AVG: 4.4 / TD: 7

Griffin didn't have one of his better performances of the year.

But Baylor won a huge game against Texas to continue its hot streak and maintain that top 25 ranking.

Griffin was 16-for-24 for 219 yards and a pair of scores, though he was intercepted as well. He did add 17 yards rushing and a third score, though. 

5. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks warms up before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 65-43. (Photo by Mike Zarr

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,449 / CMP%: 66.4 / TD: 18 / INT: 7 / Rating: 163.37

After an off week against Mississippi, Mallett was back in full form after suffering a concussion against Auburn a few weeks back.

Mallett passed for over 400 yards for the first time since Sept. 11, adding three touchdown passes in Arkansas' blowout win. 

4. Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Imag

2010 Stats

Yards: 2,547 / CMP%: 67.2 / TD: 21 / INT: 5 / Rating: 148.01

Jones had his best game of the season against Colorado, passing for 453 yards and four touchdowns in the 43-10 victory.

It was the first time he'd passed for over 400 yards this season and only the second time he had four touchdowns.

3. Kellen Moore, Boise State

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State University Broncos throws against the TCU Horned Frogs during the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 23, 2008 in San Diego, California

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,865 / CMP%: 69.8 / TD: 18 / INT: 2 / Rating: 188.30

Moore had another near flawless performance in Week 9, completing over 70 percent of his passes for the fifth straight game.

He did throw an interception, though. That was the only issue with his 298-yard, two-touchdown performance. 

2. Andrew Luck, Stanford

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal rushes against Hau'oli Jamora #52 of the Washington Huskies on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford defeated Washington 41-0. (Photo by Otto Greule J

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,920 / CMP%: 67.3 / TD: 20 / INT: 6 / Rating: 162.52 / Rushing Yards: 345 / AVG: 8.6 / TD: 3

Luck was held under 200 yards passing for the second consecutive game.

But with the way Stanford's defense and running game succeeded, it's easy to overlook Luck's 192 yards passing, one-touchdown, one-interception performance—especially when he added 92 yards and a score on the ground.

1. Cameron Newton, Auburn

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers rushes upfield against the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Yards: 1,573 / CMP%: 66.7 / TD: 15 / INT: 5 / Rating: 172.61 / Rushing Yards: 1,122 / AVG: 6.7 / TD: 14

After Newton's performance against LSU a couple of weeks ago, his numbers against Ole Miss seem wholly unspectacular.

But he was solid, nonetheless.

Newton completed 18-of-24 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns and also totaled 45 yards rushing in Auburn's 51-31 victory.