12. Max Johnson/Jaylen Henderson (Texas A&M)
Previous Ranking: 11
After shrouds of mystery over A&M’s QB situation heading into Saturday, it was Jaylen Henderson who got the start (even though someone throwing left-handed and wearing Johnson’s number was warming up with discussions over the person’s exact identity unknown as it didn’t appear to be Johnson himself). Henderson played well in his first career start, going 11/19 through the air for 150 passing yards, 60 rushing yards, 4 total TD’s (2 passing, 2 rushing), and 0 INT’s.
Johnson still has a 62.1% completion percentage (118/190 passing), 1,452 passing yards, 11 total TD’s (9 passing, 2 rushing), and 5 INT’s. Those are the only passing stats of the for Henderson, but he overall he now has 67 rushing yards. Whether it’s Henderson or Johnson, A&M will play the first game of the post-Jimbo Fisher era against FCS Abilene Christian at Noon Eastern on Saturday.
11. Payton Thorne (Auburn)
Previous Ranking: 12
Thorne continued to further clamp down his spot as Auburn’s sole QB (although Robby Ashford did see a little bit of action) in Auburn’s impressive 48-10 win over Arkansas. Thorne went 12/20 passing for 163 passing yards, 88 rushing yards, 4 total TD’s (3 passing, 1 rushing), and 1 INT. Ashford was 0/1 passing with an INT, but he ran for 32 yards. For the season, Thorne now has a 63.5% completion percentage (129/203 passing), 1,432 passing yards, 425 rushing yards, 16 total TD’s (13 passing, 3 rushing), and 7 INT’s.
The Tigers will look to keep up their offensive momentum this week as they dip into non-conference play to take on New Mexico State at 4:00 pm Eastern in prep work before the Iron Bowl.