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SEC Football: Slight Movement in Week 3 SEC QB Power Rankings

By Elliot Reeder

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Spencer Rattler #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks rolls out to pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gamecocks 44-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Spencer Rattler #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks rolls out to pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gamecocks 44-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

We have some more movement in our SEC Quarterback Power Rankings this week as several SEC football teams lost some high profile non-conference games. Also, we might see more movement moving forward as teams start heading into SEC football play (three SEC games this week). Here are our Week 3 SEC Quarterback Power Rankings:

Rattler, Beck rise in Week 3 SEC football quarterback power rankings

14. Payton Thorne/Robby Ashford (Auburn)

Previous ranking: 13

Auburn got a taste of #Pac12AfterDark as they edged out Cal 14-10 late Saturday night. The offense was not great (just 230 yards of offense), and the QB play struggled as well which sees them drop into the 14th spot. Auburn ended up throwing for just 94 yards as a team, but it was enough as the Tigers scored midway through the 4th Quarter to win it. Thorne went 9-of-14 passing for 94 yards, 2 TD’s, and 1 INT on the night. For the season, Thorne has a 61.3% completion percentage (19/31 passing), 235 passing yards, 3 passing TD’s, and 1 INT.

We also have our first team of the season with two QB’s listed here. While Thorne still seems to be locked in as the “starting QB”, I decided to include Ashford because of Auburn’s propensity to use him in short-yardage situations. He’s playing enough right now to get an inclusion here. On Saturday, Ashford went 1/3 passing (although his completion was for no gain), and he had 8 rushing yards on 4 carries. Through 2 games, Ashford has a 33.3% completion percentage (3/9 passing), 3 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, and 3 rushing TD’s.

Up next, Auburn will return to the South as they host Samford at 7:00 pm Eastern. The Tigers will look to remain unbeaten, and fans are hoping that the heavy favorites will open up the offense a bit more this week.

13. Graham Mertz (Florida)

Previous ranking: 14

It was a far improved performance in Week 2 for the Gators over their lackluster Week 1 showing. Florida blew out McNeese 49-7, and Mertz looked more in control as well as he moves up a spot. While he did not have to play the full game due to the lopsided score, Mertz ended up going 14-of-17 passing for 193 passing yards, 8 rushing yards, and 2 TD’s (1 passing, 1 rushing). For the season, Mertz has a 73.8% completion percentage (45/61 passing), 526 passing yards, 3 total TD’s (2 passing, 1 rushing), and 1 INT.

In Week 3, Florida will host Joe Milton III and Tennessee at 7:00 pm Eastern. Tennessee’s defense has looked better, and Mertz will be dueling a talented QB in Milton. An upset win would go a long way for the Gators.

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