2011 Bowl Games: Quarterback Matchups We're Dying to See

The bowl games this year provide us with some of the best quarterback matchups that we have ever seen. However, I am not saying that the matchup of Russell Wilson vs. Darron Thomas is better than Andrew Luck vs. Brandon Weeden. I’m just saying that these are the quarterback matchups that will make you remember their bowl game.

AT&T Cotton Bowl: Collin Klein vs. Tyler Wilson

The Cotton Bowl this year has two offenses that live-and-die by their quarterback. The Arkansas Razorbacks rely on Wilson to lead their team by using an impressive aerial attack. Wilson dominated this year with 3,422 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions. 

While Arkansas is deadly through the air, Kansas State is led by a quarterback who can destroy defenses with his rushing ability. 

Klein’s passing numbers were not impressive this year, with only 1,745 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to five interceptions. However, Klein had 26 rushing touchdowns on 1,099 yards. 

It’s going to be an impressive game to see if the passing attack of Wilson can overtake the ground game of Klein in this year’s Cotton Bowl.

Rose Bowl Presented by Vizio: Russell Wilson vs. Darron Thomas

The Rose Bowl this year has two teams that are mirror images of each other. Both teams were in the top five in the NCAA in points scored, both teams were in the top 10 of the NCAA in rushing yards and both teams had quarterbacks that threw at least 30 touchdown passes. 

For Oregon, they were led by Thomas to guide this high-powered Ducks attack. In six of Thomas’ 12 games, he had three or more touchdown passes, while throwing for 200 or more yards.

Wisconsin saw transfer student Russell Wilson come in and dominate opposing defenses in the Big Ten. Against conference opponents this year, Wilson had 21 touchdown passes to only two interceptions. Both of those interceptions came in one game against Michigan State. 

This year’s Rose Bowl will see two offenses that are led by quarterbacks that will throw a lot of touchdowns, while not turning the ball over. 

Outback Bowl: Kirk Cousins vs. Aaron Murray

Georgia and Michigan State were guided by two quarterbacks that led their schools to a passing average of 255 yards per game. 

Aaron Murray put this Bulldogs team on his back during their 10-game winning streak. During those 10 games, Murray had 26 touchdown passes to only eight interceptions, while throwing for 2,214 yards. 

While Murray has been impressive this year, Cousins’ has been just as good, leading Michigan State to only one loss in the Big Ten. Cousins’ biggest game this year, was his last game ever at home, when he went off against Indiana for three touchdowns, 272 yards and a passer rating of 211.9.

The Outback Bowl will see two teams that came very close at making a BCS bowl game this year. With both of these teams led by quarterbacks that have an insane amount of pocket presence and poise. 

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Brandon Weeden vs. Andrew Luck

The Fiesta Bowl features two of the best quarterbacks in the NCAA. 

Oklahoma State was led to an amazing 11-1 record this year, behind Weeden’s insane 34 touchdown passes and 4,328 yards. In 12 games this year, Weeden had eight games where he threw three or more touchdown passes with 300 or more passing yards. 

For Stanford and Luck, this whole year has seen their quarterback finish 10 out of 12 games with a quarterback rating over 150. Luck has put up impressive numbers, all the while having to deal with people telling him how he will be the No. 1 draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft. 

These two will put on an impressive offensive show at this year’s Fiesta Bowl. 

These quarterback matchups will be the best in the college football bowl season. If you like defense, stay away from these games. Because in each matchup, you will see a lot of points scored by these quarterbacks.

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