2013 Pac-12 Quarterbacks

[WorkHorse]

The following quarterback confort level ratings are based on the quality of the starter and the experience level of the backup. Today we focus on the Pac-12 North Division.

Oregon:
Marcus Mariota is arguably the top quarterback in the Pac-12 conference and a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. Behind him there is some talent but no experience.

Oregon State:
The Beavers are unique in that they have two players with starting experience. If either Sean Mannion or Cody Vaz becomes a first rate starter...then Oregon State should be in great shape quality and quantity wise.

Stanford:
Sophomore Kevin Hogan took over in November and went 4-0 against ranked teams, leaving inexperienced Evan Crower as the backup. A positive for Hogan is a defense which should provide good field position for the offense.

Washington:
The Huskies have two questions: Which Keith Price are they going to have (the 2011 version, or 2012 model)? And what, if anything they have behind him.

Washington State:
Junior Conner Holiday (over 1,800 yards last year) should open as the starter. I'm not sure any other quarterback has stepped forward in Mike Leach's offense to claim the backup role.

California:
Along with one of the most difficult schedules in the nation, the Bears do not have a quarterback with any game experience and two are rookies. Not sure who starts or who relieves.

Sidenote: The backup quarterback is the least important player on the team, until he's the most important.

Pac-12 South tomorrow.............

[BigdaddyQH]

Oregon State's problem is that they have two QB's with starting experience, but neither one is that good. The coaching is also very questionable. Just look at last year's Alamo Bowl for proof of that.

[WorkHorse]

Pac-12 South Division

Arizona State:
Redshirt junior Taylor Kelly started ever game last season and threw for 3,039 yards and 29 touchdowns. Backup Michael Eubank played in every game last year attempting 54 passes and running 63 times.

UCLA:
Like Oregon, the Bruins have a great talent in Brett Hundley but are in serious trouble if he gets hurt. Keeping Hundley on the field is a priority for what should be a good UCLA team.

Utah:
Sophomore Travis Wilson looked promising in spots last season. Assuming some maturation, he should give the Utes some stability they've lacked since joing the conference. Not much to brag about behind him.

Southern Cal:
Lots of unproven talent jumbled in a three man battle with sophomore's Max Wittek and Cody Kessler and five-star recruit Max Browne. Browne was the No. 1 rated quarterback in the nation coming out of high school.

Arizona:
Unless it's B.J. Denker and his 37 career pass attempts...then I don't know who starts at quarterback. The starting and backup roles will be interesting to watch for Rich Rodriguez and his offense. Matt Scott was a nice fit last year and now he's gone. Look for a big drop-off in offensive production from 2012.

Colorado:
Jordon Webb is out until sometime in September with a knee injury, and Nick Hirschasan has transferred. That leaves Texas transfer Connor Wood as the likely starter. No matter, long season ahead for either Wood or Webb.

Sidenote: The backup quarterback is the least important player on the team...until he's the most important!

[WorkHorse]

BD, Oregon State had a top 20 passing attack last year...the problem for the Beavers was they could not run the dang ball worth a flip (101st). The 2012 running game was one of the worst in the entire country.