Nussmeier shined, Pavia surprised, both move up in Week two SEC QB Power Rankings
There was no shortage of great quarterback play last week. With over half of the league scoring more than 50 points, the SEC offenses were humming, and the league's QBs showcased their abilities.
The top 5 QBs all led their teams to overwhelming victories. However, there wasn't much to take from any of them except that they're incredible athletes, which we already knew. So, the top 5 is the same.
On the other hand, not every team had the luxury of playing an FCS/Group of Five program. Four SEC teams played Power Four programs in week one, with only one coming out with a victory. Graham Mertz of Florida and Texas A&M's Conner Weigman's losses were accompanied by poor performances, while Garrett Nussmeier shined in his loss.
Week Two SEC QB Power Rankings
Rank | QB | School | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ouinn Ewers | Texas | 1 |
2 | Carson Beck | Georgia | 2 |
3 | Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | 3 |
4 | Brady Cook | Missouri | 4 |
5 | Jalen Milroe | Alabama | 5 |
6 | Nico Iamaleava | Tennessee | 7 |
7 | Brock Vandagriff | Kentucky | 9 |
8 | Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | 10 |
9 | Jackson Arnold | Oklahoma | 8 |
10 | Payton Thorne | Auburn | 11 |
11 | Taylen Green | Arkansas | 12 |
12 | Conner Weigman | Texas A&M | 6 |
13 | Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | 14 |
14 | Blake Shapen | Mississippi State | 15 |
15 | Graham Mertz* | Florida | 13 |
16 | LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina | 16 |
* DJ Lagway starting with Mertz still in concussion protocol
Texas A&M's game against Norte Dame didn't just show how much the Aggies' offense needed Bobby Petrino to function last season but also how Weigman needed him. The sophomore QB was the worst performer in SEC Saturday. He completed 12 of 30 passes for 100 yards and two interceptions. The Irish's defense is good, but not "forcing a 40 percent completion percentage" good. That mainly falls on Weigman.
Mertz had fewer yards with 91, but he was injured during the game, so it's not exactly fair to say he was worse than Weigman. However, it was close. Mertz completed 55 percent of his throws for zero touchdowns and an interception.
But enough about last week's losers, let's highlight some great performances. Garrett Nussmeier, although LSU lost, was great. He completed his passes at a 76.9 percent clip for 308 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The biggest surprise, though, had to be Vanderbilt's Deigo Pavia.
The New Mexico State transfer is like Johnny Manziel-light with his playing style. He's speedy, quick-thinking, and has a decent arm. He only had 190 yards passing for two touchdowns, but he got them on 12 receptions for 15.8 yards per completion. He gained an additional 104 yards on the ground and another touchdown.
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