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SEC Football: Rattler, Cook, Mertz Rise in Week 4 QB Power Rankings

By Elliot Reeder

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 09: Graham Mertz #15 of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of a game against the McNeese State Cowboys at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 09: Graham Mertz #15 of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of a game against the McNeese State Cowboys at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

12. Jalen Milroe/Ty Simpson/Tyler Buchner (Alabama)

Previous Ranking: 10

To say that Alabama’s QB situation at the moment is convoluted would be an understatement. Alabama sluggishly knocked off South Florida 17-3 in driving rain in Tampa (after being tied 3-3 at the half) on Saturday. Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s starter the first two weeks, did not see a single snap of action after struggling against Texas. Instead, Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner got the start, and he struggled mightily. Buchner was then replaced by Ty Simpson who did fine and helped lead Bama to victory. Buchner went 5/14 passing for 34 yards (no TD’s or INT’s) before being replaced. Simpson went 5/9 passing for 73 yards, while also picking up a rushing touchdown. With SEC play on the horizon, Alabama now must choose between presumably Milroe or Simpson moving forward.

On the year, Milroe has a 60% completion percentage (27/45 passing), 449 passing yards, 92 rushing yards, 7 total TD’s (5 passing, 2 rushing), and 2 INT’s through two games. Buchner has a 42.1% completion percentage (8/19 passing), 61 passing yards, 20 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and 0 INT’s through two games. Then, Simpson has a 60% completion percentage (6/10 passing), 78 passing yards, 2 rushing TD’s, and 0 INT’s through two games.

Coming up, Alabama will attempt to figure out their QB situation as they host Jaxson Dart and Ole Miss at 3:30 Eastern. Who will get the start for the Tide will be a major story all week.

11. Graham Mertz (Florida)

Previous Ranking: 13

Florida picked up one of the biggest wins of the Billy Napier era on Saturday as the Gators upset Tennessee 29-16 in the Swamp. While Trevor Etienne was the star of the show, Mertz did his job and played a key role in the win as he moves up two spots in our power rankings. Mertz ended up going 19/24 through the air for 166 passing yards and 2 total TD’s (1 passing, 1 rushing). Overall, Mertz has a 75.3% completion percentage (64/85 passing), 692 passing yards, 5 total TD’s (3 passing, 2 rushing), and 1 INT on the year.

Mertz and the Gators, now 1-0 in conference play, will return to non-conference action as big favorites in Week 4 as they host Charlotte at 7:00 Eastern Saturday night.

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