SEC Football: Mertz, Rattler rise in Week 8 QB Power Rankings
![COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 14: Graham Mertz #15 of the Florida Gators plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 14: Graham Mertz #15 of the Florida Gators plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bc0967fc63c63f456d7e8a5981dd357c1545549ad8450ce51271adc06bddf654.jpg)
10. Devin Leary (Kentucky)
Previous Ranking: 9
Leary once again struggled to find a consistent connection with Kentucky’s receivers as the Wildcats fell to Missouri 38-21 in Week 7. Leary went 14/27 through the air for 120 passing yards, 3 total TD’s (2 passing, 1 rushing), and 2 INT’s.
Leary currently has a 54.5% completion percentage (106/195 passing), 1,377 passing yards, 15 total TD’s (14 passing, 1 rushing), and 7 INT’s on the year. Kentucky is third of five SEC teams with a bye week in Week 8.
9. Graham Mertz (Florida)
Previous Ranking: 11
In by far the best game in the SEC this past week, Graham Mertz had a fantastic game as Florida out-scored South Carolina 41-39 which propels Mertz up two spots in our Power Rankings (the only player to move up multiple spots). Mertz went 30/48 passing for 423 yards and 3 TD’s (no INT’s) in the win.
For the season, Mertz has a 76.2% completion percentage (170/223 passing), 1,897 passing yards, 14 total TD’s (12 passing, 2 rushing), and 2 INT’s. Florida heads into their bye week in Week 8 before a big rivalry game next week.