Turf Show Times
If there is one consistent theme about this quarterback class, it is that it’s been inconsistent. It’s why it’s important to look at the full picture and no just one game or one play samples. Is there a player available with the desired skill sets who can be coached up and develop into a team’s offensive system? It’s also worth noting how competitive this season in college football has been. The SEC is extremely competitive at the top with six teams having two or fewer losses. Additionally, the Big Ten has two undefeated teams in Indiana and Ohio State. It’s not as easy for quarterbacks and teams to dominate every single week. It’s more important than ever to be able to separate the good from the bad and understand which of the bad can be improved.
As it stands, the Los Angeles Rams would have the seventh overall pick. With the injuries to Michael Penix and Drake London, it is a realistic possibility that the Rams end up with a top-five pick. If that is the case and given how difficult it is to find quality quarterbacks outside of the top-five, the quarterback discussion becomes very interesting.
Following a game in difficult conditions last week, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore bounced back in a big way against Minnesota. It may have only been Minnesota, but Moore was nearly flawless and showed off his ability to layer throws to different levels of the field. Moore finished 27-for-30 for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Moore isn’t mobile, but he is mobile enough to extend plays and athletic enough to throw off-platform.
While playing at Iowa is never easy, we haven’t seen Moore against a quality opponent since taking on Penn State almost two months ago. Oregon will play USC on Saturday in what should be a good game. After that, it will come down to how Moore plays in the College Football Playoff if Oregon makes it. Moore would be a strong fit in a McVay-style offense. Additionally, he is only 20 and turns 21 in May after the draft. Even if he were to sit for 2-3 years, he’d only be 23 when his time comes to start.
After last week, Fernando Mendoza very likely ended the QB1 discussion. He will be the consensus top-rated quarterback on most big boards in the spring. At this rate, Mendoza may be the favorite for the number one overall pick. There’s no doubt that Mendoza struggled last week before leading a game-winning touchdown drive. At home against Wisconsin, he went 22-for-24 for 299 yards and four touchdowns.
Mendoza has risen to the occasion at every step this season. He has been the most consistent of the quarterbacks and shown continued growth. Indiana has a bye week before finishing the season against Purdue. After that, it will be a highly anticipated Big Ten title game against Ohio State.
The most underrated...
