SEC Quarterback Battles Update

All off-season long the coaches of six SEC programs have been struggling to choose a starting quarterback. Now that game week is finally, mercifully upon us, it is nearing decision time. Some of the coaches have already named a starter, while others are still playing coy. We will update the status of each battle here.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Cooper Bateman (18) passes against the Wisconsin Badgers during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contenders: Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett

Out of the Running: Jalen Hurts and David Cornwell

For the third year in a row, the Crimson Tide will be breaking in a new starting quarterback. Cooper Bateman, who is the most experienced, has long been hailed as the front-runner. Saban announced Monday that both he and Blake Barnett will have a chance to play in the opening game against USC. Barnett has the bigger arm, but makes poorer decisions. Saban will likely pick the savvy veteran over the young gunslinger.

Projected Winner: Cooper Bateman

Auburn Tigers

Sep 12, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) and his teammates prepare to take the field prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contender: Sean White

Out of the Running: Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III

Last season the Auburn Tigers started two men at quarterback: Jeremy Johnson and Sean White. Johnson was awful, and White was mediocre. Hopes were high that junior college transfer John Franklin III would ride in and save the day. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Sean White was announced as the starter against Clemson last weekend.

Winner: Sean White

Florida Gators

Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) walks off the field after the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contender: Luke Del Rio

Out of the Running: Austin Appleby, Feleipe Franks, and Kyle Trask

Last season’s Florida offense was off to a good start under quarterback Will Grier. Then, Grier was suspended for using performance enhancing drugs. Under the guidance of Treon Harris the offense came to a grinding halt. Now both Grier and Harris are gone. The job looked at first glance to be wide open. However, upon closer inspection there was only one true contender. Luke Del Rio dominated the UF Spring Game and was named the starter by Coach Jim McElwain on the 18th of August.

Winner: Luke Del Rio

Georgia Bulldogs

Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) throws before the spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contenders: Jacob Eason, Greyson Lambert

Out of the Running: Brice Ramsey

Georgia played three quarterbacks last season, in a desperate bid to keep Mark Richt’s job secure. It didn’t work, as Richt is now in Miami. New coach Kirby Smart inherits incumbent starter Greyson Lambert, who is aggressively average, and gun-slinging backup Brice Ramsey. Dawg fans would prefer that he start superstar freshman Jacob Eason. Eason has all the tools to be an elite pro-style quarterback. But as of now Lambert is still in the running. Smart said Monday both would play against North Carolina.

Projected Winner: Jacob Eason

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Can Nick Fitzgerald earn the starting job in Starkville? Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contender: Nick Fitzgerald and Damian Williams

Out of the Running: Nick Tiano

Whoever wins the job at Mississippi State has to try to fill the shoes of the best player in program history. It is an unenviable task to be sure, but three men were fighting to perform it. Nick Tiano’s youth and inexperience eliminated him from the race. Coach Dan Mullen said on Monday that Nick Fitzgerald and Damian Williams will continue to fight for the job during the opening game against South Alabama. Fitzgerald’s mobility could be the deciding factor.

Projected Winner: Nick Fitzgerald

South Carolina Gamecocks

Oct 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) runs with the ball on a keeper during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Contenders: Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain

Out of the Race: Jake Bentley

Perry Orth returns as the starter for the Gamecocks, but he had a pretty rough time last year. Freshmen Brandon McIlwain and Jake Bentley have been pushing hard for his job. In practice Orth has been splitting first team reps evenly with McIlwain. Coach Will Muschamp has stated that two quarterbacks will play against Vanderbilt. However, he did not say who would start or even which two would play. I’m pretty confident Orth will get the start but McIlwain will play better and win the job.

Projected Winner: Brandon McIlwain