Top QB’s Shine on Opening Weekend

The college football season is upon us and the top Quarterback prospects did not disappoint us this weekend. This has the makings to be an excellent class of signal-callers and many players got off to fast starts.

Matt Barkley set the tone for his senior season by leading USC to a big points lead and a 273 yard offensive advantage in the first half, but cooled in the second half against Hawaii. Far from a top-tier secondary, the Hawaii defense did little to stop the Heisman-hopeful as Barkley finished 23-of-38 for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns. I’ll blame the Trojans mediocre second half performance on uninspired playcalling and mental mistakes due to lack of concentration. In their defense, Hawaii had no chance and many players and coaches seemed to coast and not overexert themselves.

He will be criticized for his plethora of playmakers, but Geno Smith couldn’t have asked for a better start to his season. Smith led West Virginia to a dominating 69-34 win over Marshall. Smith and the Mountaineers offense should have no problem putting up points this year, which is good because of their very underwhelming defense. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey made great plays, but all NFL eyes had to be on Smith who finished 32-of-36 for 33 yards and four touchdowns. Smith, who has flown under the radar for awhile, could see a RGIII-esque rise in his stock with his impressive accuracy and physical skills.

Virginia Tech Junior Logan Thomas won’t blow you away with his stats like some of these QB’s will, but he will certainly be looked at as a potential franchise QB because of his physical skills. The 6’6”, 260lbs giant is the Hokie’s primary weapon throwing the ball, and isn’t to bad on the ground either. He finished with only a 55.3% completion percentage and a measly six yards per attempt in his overtime win over Georgia Tech. Unless he improves his accuracy and touch, he may be better off returning for his senior year, but I think he will be viewed as a Josh Freeman-esque, raw QB with mounds of potential.

Tyler Wilson showed that he can be Arkansas’ field general even without Bobby Petrino’s fancy playcalling. He finished 19-of-27 for 327 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-24 win over Jacksonville State. J-State is certainly not a defensive powerhouse, but Wilson looked poised, accurate, and did not disappoint those who believe he can be a top 10 pick next April.

I never thought that the most exciting matchup in a week of college football would include Syracuse, but it is possible this week as Matt Barkley and USC take on Ryan Nassib and the Syracuse Orange. Nassib failed to beat Northwestern in the opening week, but the under-the-radar prospect carried the Orange on his shoulders and finished 44-of-65 for 470 yards. Nassib leads the nation in total yardage and it will be important to see how he can play against the star studded USC defense this week.