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Breaking down the Big Ten: Quarterbacks
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With the Big Ten running backs units out of the way, today we begin breaking down each team’s quarterback situation. Although the majority of the league’s teams enter the 2009 college football season with starters firmly entrenched, questions under center still linger at several schools.
Big Ten Quarterback Rankings:
1. Penn State
2. Illinois
3. Minnesota
4. Iowa
5. Ohio State
Penn State (Grade: A)
Daryll Clark goes into his senior season as the undisputed top returning passer in the Big Ten, as he comes off a brilliant 2008 season that saw him throw for 19 TDs, nearly 2,600 yards and only 6 interceptions while leading Penn State to the Rose Bowl. But while Clark boasts the necessary talent and experience to forge another successful season in 2009, the Heisman hopeful will first need to adjust to life without his primary targets.
The departure of receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams leaves much uncertainty for the Nittany Lions, since the trio combined for 132 receptions, 1,932 yards and 17 TDs a season ago. The question isn’t whether Clark can play at an elite level, but whether he can replicate last year’s performance with green hands lining up on the outside. A talented line and superstar running back duo will take some pressure off Clark, but it will be his leadership abilities that ultimately determine Penn State’s fate in 2009.
Illinois (Grade: A)
After going to the Rose Bowl in 2007, the Fighting Illini regressed drastically during a disappointing 2008 season. But the burden of the blame cannot be bestowed solely on quarterback Juice Williams, who improved his statistical production despite the falloff in wins. After throwing 13 TDs and 12 interceptions as a sophomore, Williams recorded 22 TDs to 16 interceptions during his junior season in 2008. His rushing numbers stayed relatively the same, as he amassed 755 yards in 2007 and 719 a year ago.
With the Illini returning All-Big Ten wide receiver Arrelious Benn and its top two running backs, Williams has numerous weapons around him, and is well-positioned to return his team to a bowl. Illinois’ offensive struggles in ’08, in large part, had to do with replacing departed running back Rashard Mendenhall, but that should cease to be an issue with the emergence of Jason Ford. Williams has proved he can play at supreme levels, and a return to the Rose Bowl falls squarely on his shoulders.
Minnesota (Grade: A-)
Coming off consecutive solid seasons under center, Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber is poised for another productive year in 2009. Much of the Gophers’ passing game hinges on whether All-Big Ten receiver Erik Decker returns for his senior season or decides to play professional baseball, but the offense should be potent with or without him.
Weber played commendably in 2008, even if his production dropped off significantly in certain categories. His yardage stayed consistent (2,895 in 2007 and 2,761 in 2008), but his touchdowns declined from 24 to 15. However, he also lowered his interceptions total from 19 to eight, while improving his completion percentage by nearly five percent.
The glaring difference for Minnesota’s offense between 2007 and 2008 was sacks allowed, as Weber went down 31 times in 2008 after only being sacked 13 times the prior year. If the offensive line can provide him ample time in the pocket, Weber’s poise and natural abilities will lead to good things for the Minnesota offense.
Iowa (Grade: A-)
Perhaps no Big Ten quarterback improved more during the course of the 2008 season than Iowa’s Rick Stanzi. After starting off the season with a clipboard in hand, Stanzi eventually emerged as the Hawkeyes field general, propelling his team to victories in six of the last seven games, including a come-from-behind victory over then ranked No. 3 Penn State. Stanzi quickly adjusted to the role of starting quarterback, finishing the season with 14 TDs and an impressive 134.85 QB rating.
At 6-4, 225 pounds, Stanzi’s frame fits perfectly in Iowa’s pro-style offense, while his demeanor, mannerisms and throwing style have drawn comparisons to Tom Brady. Added experience and time spent in the film room should enable Stanzi to continue improving during his junior season, and he could be the league’s top signal caller by season’s end. The primary criticism of his play is his sometimes errant decision-making, something he will have to thwart for Iowa to return to another New Year’s Day bowl.
Ohio State (Grade: B+)
One thing is for certain, Terrelle Pryor’s athleticism has never been called into question. At 6-6, 235 pounds, few collegiate quarterbacks have ever rivaled the extraordinary combination of size and athleticism that Pryor brings to the field. After going through some growing pains while seeing extensive playing time as a true freshman, Pryor should improve by leaps and bounds in 2009.
Pryor’s efficiency last season (12 TDs, 146.5 QB rating) was a testament to Ohio State running a restricted offense, but such shouldn’t be the case again this year. Expect the Buckeyes to open up the playbook, and if the talented quarterback can learn to comfortably stretch the field, then the team will boast one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Pryor’s ability to make plays with his legs has inspired comparisons to Vince Young, but the sophomore will greatly exceed Young’s accomplishments through the air if he continues to improve with each passing season.
Note: This is part one of a two-part series breaking down the Big Ten quarterback position. Tune in next week for numbers 6-11.
