Some big performances, upsets, and the start of SEC football play caused some shake-ups in our SEC Quarterback Power Rankings. Where does every team’s starting QB stand as the majority of SEC football teams head into conference play in Week 4?
Rattler, Cook, Mertz rise in Week 4 SEC football quarterback power rankings
14. Payton Thorne/Robby Ashford (Auburn)
Previous Ranking: 14
Auburn had a slow start on Saturday against Samford that featured an up-and-down game at quarterback that sees the tandem of Thorne and Ashford staying put. Thorne was good overall, going 24/32 passing for 282 yards, 123 rushing yards, and 3 total TD’s (1 passing, 2 rushing). However, Thorne also threw 2 interceptions in the contest. Robby Ashford was solid in the game as well, going 3/4 passing for 58 yards, 17 rushing yards, and 2 total TD’s (1 passing, 1 rushing).
Overall for the season, Thorne has a 68.3% completion percentage (43/63 passing), 517 passing yards, 140 rushing yards, 6 total TD’s (4 passing, 2 rushing), and 3 INT’s. Meanwhile, Robby Ashford has a 46.2% completion percentage (6/13 passing), 61 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, 5 total TD’s (1 passing, 4 rushing), and 0 INT’s.
In Week 4, 3-0 Auburn will enter SEC football play with arguably their biggest test yet. Thorne and Ashford will travel to College Station to take on Conner Weigman and Texas A&M at Noon Eastern on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how the QB’s and the offense handle the raucous atmosphere.
13. AJ Swann (Vanderbilt)
Previous Ranking: 11
In a disappointing 40-37 loss to UNLV that puts a major dash in Vanderbilt’s bowl-eligiblity hopes, Swann struggled with efficiency (even though his overall numbers were fine) as he drops a couple of spots. On the afternoon, Swann went 17-of-35 passing for 335 passing yards, 27 rushing yards, 3 passing TD’s, and 1 INT. Through four games, Swann has a 57.9% completion percentage (77/133 passing), 1,101 passing yards, 12 total TD’s (11 passing, 1 rushing), and 4 INT’s.
Up next, Vandy plays their first SEC competition as Swann and the ‘Dores take on Devin Leary and Kentucky at Noon Eastern in Nashville.