College Football Preview: Quarterback Competitions

Kansas State:
Jake Waters vs. Daniel Sams

Jake Waters

The Wildcats lost their heart and soul when Collin Klein graduated and that will obviously not be easy to replace. Sophomore Daniel Sams will compete with JUCO transfer Jake Waters to take over the quarterback job. Sams has spent more time in Manhattan and seems to show a better understanding of the offense. Sams is extremely quick and has the athleticism of a wide receiver but his passing game is a huge question mark. Waters comes in as the nation's best JUCO quarterback transfer and has a chip on his shoulder. Waters is also a dual threat but isn't as quick nor as athletic as Sams. Waters is more of a proven passer; he has an incredibly strong arm and has the smarts to be a great quarterback. Though, Waters hasn't seen anything like the Big 12 in his career and it is reasonably to think that he may need an adjustment period.
Frontrunner: Sams, as Bill Snyder will likely lean towards him because of his understanding of the offense. Though, at the first sign of trouble expect Snyder to give the gifted Waters in opportunity.




Oklahoma:
Blake Bell vs. The Rest
For the first time since 2008 the Sooners enter a season with questions at quarterback. Landry Jones is now in the NFL, leaving Bob Stoops a difficult decision. Should he go with junior Blake Bell, a massive, psychical runner or someone like sophomore Kendal Thompson, who has the potential to be great. Bell has spent two years as Jones' backup and has more rush touchdowns (24) than pass attempts in his career in Norman. Bell gives them a proven runner but he has little experience in the passing game and needs a lot of work to become a quality QB. The sophomore, Thompson, is a dual threat who isn't as big but is quicker and more athletic. Thompson is a pretty accurate passer and has loads of potential but is even less experienced than Bell. The third option is Trevor Knight, who is a mystery at this point.
Frontrunner: Bell, who will give the Sooners a more proven option than Thompson or Knight. Bell gives Oklahoma proven results immediately, while Thompson or Knight may struggle if they got the job.
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Florida State: 
Jameis Winston vs. Jacob Coker
E.J. Manuel is now throwing passes for the Buffalo Bills meaning coach Jimbo Fisher must find a quarterback to replace him. His decision became a little easier when Clint Trickett, Manuel's backup last season, transferred to West Virginia. That leaves redshirt freshman Jameis Winston, sophomore Jacob Coker and longshot Sean Maguire to fight for the job. Winston is widely considered as the front runner and has the size and arm strength to be ready to dominate right away. Coker is even bigger, 6-6, and even though it doesn't seem like he has the star potential Winston has, Coker has stuck with him this whole time. Coker seems to be a little bit smarter and has a great relationship with Fisher. Anyway you look at it the new quarterback will have plenty of help with the return of Devonta Freeman, Nick O'Leary, Rashad Greene and a great offensive line.
Frontrunner: Winston, who has the talent to be a fantastic quarterback from the beginning. Coker has the smarts and can be a productive quarterback as well but it seems the grass is just greener with Winston.
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Wisconsin:
Joel Stave vs. Curt Phillips

Curt Phillips

For the second straight season the Badgers enter a new year with no idea of who their starter is going to be. Coach Gary Andersen will run the same offense as former coach Bret Bielema and must decide between senior Curt Phillips and Joel Stave. Both same playing time last season and both have their pros and cons. Stave is a little bit more of a dual threat and moves very well and also proved that he can move the ball down the field. Though he is still very young and still has to work on his decision making. Phillips is more experienced and makes better decisions but doesn't do much when he is pressured and can't move the well down the field as well as Stave. JUCO transfer Tanner McEvoy could also make things interesting. McEvoy is a proven dual threat but experience remains a real question for him.
Frontrunner: Stave, the Badgers can't run the ball every single down no matter how hard they try. At least Stave can make some plays down the field and gives the Badgers some more excitement.
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