Breaking Down the SEC- Quarterbacks

Today we look at the SEC’s QBs and what we expect:

1. Arkansas– Tyler Wilson is the consensus #1 QB in the SEC for 2012. He threw for over 3,600 yards last season. He was 2nd in the league in passing efficiency. His talent at WR has dropped some for this season- but he should still have another outstanding season.

2. Tennessee– Tyler Bray was having a solid season in 2011 but suffered an injury and missed half of it. He has a big arm and the best WR group in the SEC. Tennessee struggles to run the football, so they will rely heavily on him to produce. He threw a high number of picks last season, but I think you will see that number drop in 2012.

3. Georgia– Aaron Murray is a quality QB and a future pro. His Sophomore season was good, but he did suffer from the interception bug a little more than he wanted. He has a good group of WR’s to help him look good- but a suspect OL could cause him to underperform.

4. Alabama– AJ McCarron is a good QB- he just wasnt asked to do a whole lot by Bama’s offensive coaches last season. Well, until the NCAA Title game that is. He threw all over LSU to keep them off balance and win Bama their 44th National Title as claimed by the Gumps. Bama will depend on him a little more this season- and his OL will help keep that jersey clean while he works.

5. South Carolina– Conner Shaw was forced into the starting role last season after Spurrier just finally got fed up with Stephen Garcia’s off-field antics. Shaw is a coach’s son and has been around football all his life. He throws a good ball and is also mobile- giving Spurrier a dimension at the QB position he isnt used to having. Look for him to have a good year.

6. Missouri– James Franklin had a big year for Missouri last season- passing for 2800 yards and rushing for damn near 1,000 yards. But that was in the Big 12- he will face a much tougher road to put those kind of numbers up in 2012. Still a good talent for the Tigers and if his OL can protect him some- he will have a solid season.

7. LSU– Zach Mettenberger is a big talent for the Tigers. He got to play a little last year in mop-up duty and also has a year of juco ball under his belt. He has a strong arm and should be an upgrade over what the Tigers have had playing QB the last 4 seasons. He has a strong offensive line in front of him and some good WR’s and RB’s- no reason he wont be successful in Baton Rouge this season.

8. State– Tyler Russell takes the reigns in Starkville. The Bulldogs have made some changes to their offense to accomodate Russell’s drop-back style. Russell has gotten experience the last 2 seasons and has even made a couple of starts. He needs to do a better job of getting rid of the ball quicker and also taking what the defense gives him instead of trying to force the ball downfield. But all reports are that he had a really good Spring, and should have a good season at QB.

9. Vandy– Jordan Rodgers took over the starting QB role last year during the Commodore’s season and has a total hold on the job now. A dual-threat QB, Rodgers gives the Dores a much needed extra threat with his legs. If he can do a better job of taking care of the ball and rely on the veteran guys around him, he should have a successful 2012.

10. Kentucky– Maxwell Smith is the man for the Wildcats entering the season. He was All-SEC Freshman last season and looks to make more strides in improving his yards per game average. Look for Kentucky to rely on him a little more this season, as they will trail in alot of games and have to throw the football.

11. Florida– Jacoby Brissett or Jeff Driskel? Florida has 2 guys at QB and hasnt decided on who will take over heading into August practice. Brissett has some mobility and gives them something Driskel doesnt, but Driskel delivers the ball with pretty good accuracy. The Gators need to pick a guy and stay with him if they intend to contend for the East title.

12. Auburn– The War Eagle/Tigers/Plainsmen have a QB battle on their hands also. Clint Moseley has more experience, but Kiehl Frazier has more talent. Moseley probably lost the QB battle this Spring after spending most of it hurt, but with a new offense being installed- anything can happen. This situation should be worth watching this Fall.

13. Texas A&M– Coach Kevin Sumlin didnt inherit the best of situations here. Jameill Showers looks to be the guy and has thrown all of 5 college passes. His back-up Johnny Manziel got arrested this Summer on multiple charges. Sumlin’s pass-happy offense could be going deep into the bench this season for it’s triggerman.

14. Mississippi– Another QB battle is going on in Oxford that wont be settled until August and maybe even beyond. Barry Brunetti and Juco transfer Bo Wallace are battling to run Coach Hugh Freeze’s “basketball on grass” offense. Brunetti is mobile but struggles with his passing- Wallace has a pretty good arm but isnt mobile. Freeze may be forced to play both to get the results he is looking for. WR Donte Moncrief will do his best to help either of them look good- but surviving behind their OL will be a challenge.