College Football Season Marked by Quarterback Turmoil
LSU football coach Brian Kelly was asked a singular question about quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in his weekly news conference Monday afternoon. It was centered on Nussmeier’s visible frustration after his team’s second Southeastern Conference loss this season. Kelly cut the probe off early to express the shared sentiment.
“I’m not happy,” Kelly said of his team’s continued struggles. “I think he’s part of that entire group. He’s not happy.”
Contrasting Quarterbacks
How about his counterpart that the Tigers will play Saturday night?
“Marcel Reed,” Kelly said earlier in that same media availability, “is doing an incredible job at the quarterback position.”
Heisman Trophy Odds
The books support both of Kelly’s points. Reed, Texas A&M’s standout sophomore quarterback, has effectively swapped places with Nussmeier in the race for college football’s most prestigious award.
Reed had the 17th-best odds of any quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy in the preseason and, with his Aggies undefeated and ranked third in the AP Top 25 poll, now has the fifth-best overall odds. Nussmeier, whose Tigers are on the brink of legitimate College Football Playoff contention, started with the third-best odds and has slunk to 24th.
Upcoming Game
Saturday’s game between the Aggies (7-0, 4-0 SEC) and the Tigers (5-2, 2-2) at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. might help secure one team’s entrance into college football’s postseason bracket and secure the other’s prohibition. It’s also reflective of a college football season that’s been characterized by quarterback turmoil and the coaches who have been tasked to navigate it.
Preseason Favorites
The three preseason Heisman Trophy favorites — Texas’ Arch Manning, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Nussmeier — have each tumbled out from favor in the eyes of oddsmakers. Nussmeier, at plus-15,000, has the best odds of the three and is the 22nd-ranked quarterback. Manning, at plus-25,000, is the 28th-ranked quarterback. Klubnik isn’t listed at either FanDuel Sportsbook or DraftKings.
Those ranked above them include SMU’s Kevin Jennings (a three-star recruit with zero power conference scholarship offers in high school), Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss (who played for Division II Ferris State last year) and Oklahoma’s John Mateer (a Little Elm alum who parlayed his lone FBS scholarship offer into a gig at Oklahoma).
Coaches’ Challenges
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has been required, on a near weekly basis, to defend his prized five-star quarterback, the criticism for his team’s offensive struggles and to criticize “s— getting talked about our team” in his postgame availabilities. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney only made it through one game this season before he acknowledged that if Klubnik “ain’t a dude, we ain’t winning.” Kelly had to reiterate his strong relationship with Nussmeier after an on-field outburst was caught on camera and, on Monday, conveyed his quarterback’s passion when he was seen in tears after Saturday’s loss vs. Vanderbilt.
Elko’s only gripe these days is with those who question his loyalty to the College Station program. He joked Monday that he’s “running out of ways” to evaluate Reed’s growth as the Nashville native has now totaled 1,770 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his first full season as a starter.
“I think now what you see is a kid so much more confident,” Elko said Monday in his weekly news conference. “So much more comfortable, still the same athlete, still capable of making plays with his feet, but also now able to sit in a pocket and deliver the football at a much, much higher level.”
He’s lifted the Aggies to a higher level in the process.
There’s no requirement for defense there.
Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The college football season has been marked by quarterback turmoil, with many preseason favorites struggling and new stars emerging. The upcoming game between the Aggies and the Tigers will be a crucial test for both teams and their quarterbacks. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the quarterbacks and their coaches navigate the challenges and pressures of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the current favorites to win the Heisman Trophy?
A: The current favorites to win the Heisman Trophy include Marcel Reed, who has the fifth-best overall odds, and other quarterbacks who have risen to prominence during the season.
Q: How has Garrett Nussmeier performed this season?
A: Nussmeier has struggled this season, with his team suffering two Southeastern Conference losses. He has fallen from third to 24th in the Heisman Trophy odds.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming game between the Aggies and the Tigers?
A: The game is crucial for both teams, as it may secure one team’s entrance into the College Football Playoff and eliminate the other. It will also be a test of the quarterbacks and their coaches, who have faced challenges and pressures throughout the season.
