College Football Predictions: The 10 Most Valuable Quarterbacks in 2011

The position of quarterback is one of the most highly scrutinized positions in college football and for good reason. Quarterbacks handle every offensive snap in a game for their team and their performance greatly affects each game’s outcome.

A talented quarterback is what will often separate a good team from a great team. As the 2011 college football season approaches quarterbacks around the country are working on their game in preparation.

Some teams are lucky enough to have a returning starter in 2011 because those teams tend to do better during the season. At certain schools there are quarterbacks who are greater than just their own position and are crucial for the team’s success.

Here is a list of the ten most valuable quarterbacks in college football today.

10. Geno Smith, West Virginia

There has been some drama in Morgantown this offseason and for the Mountaineers opening kickoff can’t come soon enough. Quarterback Geno Smith has a lot to do with the excitement and optimism.
Smith had a strong sophomore campaign in his first year as West Virginia’s starting quarterback. Last season Smith passed for more than 2700 yards to go along with 24 touchdowns. In 2011 expect both of those numbers to go up with new head coach Dana Holgorsen in town.
Holgorsen is widely considered one of the hottest coaches in college football because of his explosive spread offense. Smith has the ideal skill set to play quarterback in the spread offense and should have a spectacular junior season in 2011.

1. Kellen Moore, Boise State

When thinking about quarterback Kellen Moore one word comes to mind, and that word is consistency. Moore has been the starting quarterback at Boise State for the past three seasons during which he has throw a total of 129 touchdown passes with just 19 interceptions.

In recent years it seems that Boise State is just always good and flirts with undefeated seasons; Moore is a big reason why. The Broncos’ field general leads by example and his teammates have followed in his footsteps.

In 2011 Moore with have to find new targets to throw to with the graduation of his top two receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young. But with his accuracy, Moore should have no problem gelling with his new receivers.

Although head coach Chris Peterson has been a big reason for the Bronco’s success, Kellen Moore has made the big plays for them when it matters.