College Football 2011: Power Ranking the Big Ten QBs Minus Terrelle Pryor

With Terrelle Pryor choosing not to rejoin the Buckeyes for his senior season, another new debate in the Big Ten is born.

Who is the conference's best QB?

There are some newcomers to the mix, so there will be new names looking to put on a show this fall.

Also, there are a few savvy veterans returning to solidify their place amongst their peers and build for the NFL draft.

Then, you have the "tweeners." Guys that have some experience, but have yet to really make a name for themselves in the conference.

All that said, no more delays. Here is the power ranking of the Big Ten QBs.

12. Marqueis Gray, Minnesota

Newcomer

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 24

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 0/0

Completion Percentage: 25.0

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries, including one TD

After Adam Weber was under center the last four seasons, Minnesota should begin anew with Marqueis Gray.

Sure, he played WR last year, and was rather productive. But, he has the potential to be a sick dual-threat if given the opportunity.

11. Edward Wright-Baker, Indiana

Newcomer

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 80

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 1/1

Completion Percentage: 41.7

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 25 yards on eight carries

For the previous 2.5 years Ben Chappell was the main man for Indiana.

Well, the Hoosiers go back to the drawing board with Edward Wright-Baker, who is looking to take over full-time this fall.

How he responds to this responsibility is an enormous factor.

10. James Vandenberg, Iowa

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback James Vandenberg #16 of the Iowa Hawkeyes gets ready to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Newcomer

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 45

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 1/0

Completion Percentage: 62.5

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 32 yards on six carries

With some big shoes to fill in Ricky Stanzi, James Vandenberg does have the tools to keep the Iowa Hawkeyes afloat.

They lose a lot to the draft, but as long as Vandenberg isn't asked to do more than he's capable, then the Hawkeyes should be solid.

9. Jon Budmayr, Wisconsin

Newcomer

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 134

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 1/0

Completion Percentage: 80.0

Additional Stats: N/A

For starters, Jon Budmayr shouldn't feel too much pressure being under center in Wisconsin.

Yes, Scott Tolzien was a great game-managing QB, who led the Badgers to a share of the Big Ten title.

So, what do you think Budmayr is going to be asked to do?

Manage the game, run the rock down the defense's throat and then be efficient when called upon, since it won't happen too much.

8. Joe Bauserman, Ohio State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Joe Bauserman #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rolls out to look for a receiver against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jon

Newcomer

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 174

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 2/1

Completion Percentage: 72.7

Additional Stats: N/A

Outside of the state of Ohio Joe Bauserman is virtually unknown.

And, unless he performs well enough for Buckeyes fans to forget about Terrelle Pryor, he'll remain unknown.

That said, this is Ohio State, but it is in the midst of rebuilding after everything that happened.

Therefore, Bauserman and the Buckeyes won't be expected to dominate.

Just more motivation for the Luke Fickell era if you ask me.

7. Rob Henry, Purdue

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Rob Henry #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Tweener

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 996

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 8/7

Completion Percentage: 53.1

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 547 yards on 104 carries, including four TDs

Chances are there could be a QB battle this summer/fall between Rob Henry and Rob Marve.

However, since Henry proved to be the most productive in 2010 he should be the front-runner.

And if he wins the job, the Boilermakers could shock some skeptics throughout the conference.

6. Matthew McGloin, Penn State

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Matt McGloin #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass against the Florida Gators January 1, 2011 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Tweener

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 1,548

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 14/9

Completion Percentage: 54.9

Additional Stats: Also rushed for six yards on 13 carries, including two TDs

Last year for Matthew McGloin proved to be a confidence booster.

He barely received any playing time as a freshman, but began to mature as a sophomore.

Much will be expected from his junior campaign, so it'll be interesting to see if he lives up to expectations.

5. Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 20: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini passes the ball under pressure from Quentin Williams #88 of the Northwestern Wildcats during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by J

Tweener

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 1,825

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 17/8

Completion Percentage: 58.7

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 868 yards, including five TDs

After a really impressive freshman season, Nathan Scheelhaase is now expected to carry the Illini on his back for the next three seasons.

Going somewhat under the radar, he has potential to gain a significant amount of notoriety throughout the conference (maybe the country) if 2011 proves to be a 2010 upgrade. 

4. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Tweener

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 1,631

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 10/7

Completion Percentage: 59.2

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 965 yards, including 12 TDs

A 2010 freshman All-American, Taylor Martinez led the Cornhuskers to the Big 12 championship game.

Definitely more of a rushing threat as of now, but if he learns the nuances of the aerial assault, then he'll only be that much better.

In turn, Nebraska becomes that much more dangerous to win the conference.

3. Denard Robinson, Michigan

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass during the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Veteran Tweener

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 2,570

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 18/11

Completion Percentage: 62.5

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 1,702 yards, including 14 TDs

Arguably the most exciting player in all of college football, Denard Robinson has the opportunity to be known as the poster boy for Michigan's return to glory.

Yes, it's an extreme amount of pressure, but with his versatility, it's a very realistic possibility.

Not to mention, the Wolverines have a Michigan man in charge, so you know they're back on the rise.

2. Dan Persa, Northwestern

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Dan Persa #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks for a receiver against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

Seasoned Veteran

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 2,581

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 15/4

Completion Percentage: 73.5

Additional Stats: Also rushed for 519 yards on 164 carries, including nine TDs

Despite the fact that Dan Persa's season ended short, he still produced at a high level.

You can expect at least an encore performance from him in 2011, but if he goes above and beyond, don't look shocked.

In addition, it will be intriguing to watch and see if that Achilles tendon prevents him from being aggressive.

1. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30. (Photo by Jonat

Seasoned Veteran

2010 Season Statistics

Passing Yards: 2,825

Touchdowns/Interceptions: 20/10

Completion Percentage: 66.9

Additional Stats: N/A

This should come as no surprise since Kirk Cousins has been improving each season under center; including him helping Sparty to their first Big Ten championship in 20 years. He has resurrected East Lansing football.

Much is expected for 2011, and the pressure hasn't been this high for Michigan State in a very long time.

That said, if there is one season in which you can judge a QB, this is that season.