The Big 10 doesn’t generally have the flash of the Pac-12, or the hype of the SEC. In fact, Big 10 programs often feel more blue-collar than anything, a reflection of the states they occupy.
But the quarterback position is one that demands moxy, style and, forgive me, swagger. Does the Big 10 have that?
We answer that here, in our top five quarterback story-lines in the conference for the 2015 season. Here’s a hint: Yes.
If you didn’t know any better watching this practice you’d think Cardale Jones is the unquestionable starter.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) April 11, 2015
J.T. Barrett vs. Cardale Jones vs. Braxton Miller: Most college coaches are busy trying to find one dynamic quarterback on their roster. Urban Meyer has the “luxury” of three, all proven to be game-changers at the position. At this point, we all know the history of Miller going down, paving the way for Barrett to showcase his jaw-dropping talent…then Barrett going down and Jones emerging to lead Ohio State to the National Championship. Drama, indeed. Now, Jones has the advantage of being the only one of the three to be fully healthy for Spring Ball, as Barrett and Miller recover from last season’s injuries. This is, perhaps, the most compelling story-line in the country for 2015. Connor Cook, Michigan State: Could any less attention be paid to a quarterback who led his team to an 11-2 record, and a thrilling Cotton Bowl win? The answer is, almost certainly, no. Cook’s numbers may not be jaw-dropping by modern college football standards, but they are certainly respectable. He threw for over 3,200 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. The question is, can do put up similar numbers (or better) for the third year in a row?
And after seeing him throw live again, it’s worth repeating that Christian Hackenberg is special. #PennState
— Patrick Woo (@P_Woo) April 4, 2015
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State: For a guy many thought could be the best pro prospect in the Big 10, Hackenberg put up one of the most confusing sophomore seasons in the country. The 6-foot-4 signal caller regressed in nearly every statistical category from his freshman campaign, though to be fair, his protection from the offensive line was some of the worst in the country. A bounce back junior year effort could be in the words, especially in his second year working with James Franklin’s system.
Wes Lunt, Illinois: The Illini were average in almost every way a year ago, as they battled through injury and injury to Lunt. Sure, finishing with barely more than 1,700 passing yards doesn’t exactly scream “break-out”, but Lunt never threw more than one interception as a sophomore, totalling just three on the entire season. As a junior, if he’s healthy, he should stretch the stat keeper a bit further.
Nebraska Cornhuskers QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. told to be ready for more passing, less running by new Head Coach Mike Riley
— Yankee Man (@MyBoyJeter) March 5, 2015
Tommy Armstrong Jr., Nebraska: Armstrong Jr. accounted for 3,400 yards last year through the air, and on the ground, en route to establishing himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big 10. His 12 interceptions is a total that will need to come down in his junior season, and new coach Mike Riley should be able to help with that.
