Some SEC teams still trying to decide on starting QB
As week two approaches, quarterback remains an unsettled position at a few Southeastern Conference programs. Some are more unsettled than others.
Take Vanderbilt, where coach Derek Mason said he had no starter.
“I have not named a starting quarterback, nor am I going to name one,” Mason said.
The offense was stagnant in the stunning 37-7 loss to Temple, and the depth chart has “or” between Patton Robinette, Stephen Rivers and Johnny McCrary.
“All may touch the field, or just one might,” Mason said.
Alabama and LSU got good play from its starters in neutral field victories, but neither Nick Saban nor Les Miles is ready to declare the competition over.
Blake Sims led the Crimson Tide past West Virginia and completed 72 percent. But he threw an interception and missed a few open receivers. Jake Coker, the Florida State transfer, figures to get more of game audition Saturday against Florida Atlantic.
“It’s important we still have competition at the position,” Saban said. “We already know how Sims played, and I thought he played fairly well. We want to have another guy ready to play. It’s about trying to manage our team for the future.”
LSU got off to a terrible start against Wisconsin, falling behind 24-7, in Anthony Jennings first regular-season start (He started the Outback Bowl over Iowa). But Jennings and the Tigers rallied in the second half for a 28-24 victory.
Jennings will start Saturday against Sam Houston State, but Miles said true freshman Brandon Harris will continue to get looks.
“It was obvious that the opportunity for us to win was, certainly right now, to get Anthony Jennings comfortable in there and let him play,” Miles said. “He did very well.”
Harris got one series against the Badgers and didn’t move the ball, but he should get more playing time over the next couple of weeks as the schedule softens.
RANKING THE SEC
Team | Opponent | Comment |
1.Georgia (4) | open | Extra week to prep for Gamecocks |
2. Texas A&M (7) | Lamar | Lamar posted 525 total yards vs. Grambling |
3. Alabama (1) | Florida Atlantic | Trey DePriest back after suspension |
4. Auburn (2) | San Jose State | After this, Auburn visits Kansas State |
5. LSU (5) | Sam Houston State | @CoachMiles is Nebraska’s hoop coach Tim, not Les |
6. Mississippi (8) | at Vanderbilt | 28 fourth-quarter points against Boise St. |
7. Missouri (6) | at Toledo | Rockets will test Mizzou defense |
8. South Carolina (3) | East Carolina | Pirates QB Carden has 7,538 career passing yards |
9. Mississippi State (12) | Alabama-Birmingham | Blazers were surprisingly good against Troy |
10.Tennessee (11) | Arkansas State | Oklahoma is Vols’ next opponent |
11.Florida (9) | Eastern Michigan | Finally, live football for the Gators |
12. Kentucky (14) | Ohio | Mark Stoops said confidence riding high |
12. Arkansas (13) | Nicholls State | Razorbacks should unload frustrations here |
14. Vanderbilt (10) | Mississippi | Rough debut for Derek Mason |
To reach Blair Kerkhoff, call 816-234-4730 or send email to bkerkhoff@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @BlairKerkhoff.
This story was originally published September 3, 2014 at 3:49 PM with the headline "Some SEC teams still trying to decide on starting QB."