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I’m not one to make random changes for the sake of discussion. If I don’t think there are significant changes that need to be made in the quarterback rankings, I’m not going to make them.
OK, I’ll climb down off that small soapbox.
This week, there wasn’t much reason to make many significant changes in the B1G quarterback rankings, especially at the top. There’s a little movement in spots No. 9 through No. 14, but the rest is essentially the same as last week.
I don’t suspect that’ll be the case next week, with plenty of implications on the line in Rivalry Week. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at this week’s QB rankings in the B1G:
14. Artur Sitkowski, Rutgers (Even)
The freshman was close to having more interceptions than completions for the second time this season. Sitkowski split time with Gio Rescigno in Rutgers’ home finale on Saturday, but the partnership under center failed to deliver. Sitkowski has one final chance to impress next week.
Last week vs. No. 14 Penn State: 3-of-7, 18 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
13. Tyrrell Pigrome, Maryland (N/A)
Pigrome had no fear replacing the injured Kasim Hill under center against the 10th-ranked Buckeyes over the weekend. He wasn’t asked to do much with his arm, but he did connect on some big plays, helping Maryland build and maintain a lead on the Buckeyes through most of the game. He would’ve loved to have one more completion though, the two-point conversion attempt to an open Jeshaun Jones that would’ve won the game.
Last week vs. No. 10 Ohio State: 6-of-13, 181 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
12. A.J. Bush, Illinois (Down 1)
What a sad way to end a career. Illinois lost in historic fashion to Iowa, falling 63-0, which was the worst loss in program history. Bush didn’t have much success either, completing less than 50 percent of his passes and was a non-factor in the rushing game.
Last week vs. Iowa: 12-of-28, 82 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
11. Rocky Lombardi, Michigan State (N/A)
It’s really difficult to judge Lombardi after last week’s game, which was played inside a snow globe at Memorial Stadium. At times, the freshman has looked like a dependable option under center. Other times, you wonder why Michigan State doesn’t just hand the ball off three straight plays. Lombardi played well against Purdue, but he’s struggled in his appearances the following weeks.
Last week vs. Nebraska: 15-of-41, 146 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
10. Jack Coan, Wisconsin (N/A)
Stepping in for the injured Alex Hornibrook, Coan has done some nice things for the Badgers. Well, he’s done the simple things, and that’s really all you can ask for from a backup. Coan completed two clutch touchdown passes late in the game to help force overtime with Purdue. Jonathan Taylor took care of the rest. What more could you ask for out of a backup?
Last week vs. Purdue: 16-of-24, 160 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
9. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota (Up 3)
A big boost from Morgan this week, but primarily because so many teams have resorted to backup quarterbacks due to injury. Morgan is in that same category but has taken over the offense the last five weeks. He didn’t put up special numbers against Northwestern this week, but it was certainly the toughest defense he’s faced all season. We’ll see how he handles the pressure of next week’s rivalry game against Wisconsin with a bowl game on the line.
Last week vs. No. 22 Northwestern: 19-of-32, 197 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
8. Peyton Ramsey, Indiana (Even)
Credit to Ramsey, who became the first B1G quarterback this season to give Michigan’s defense some serious issues. The sophomore completed some big passes and made some plays with his feet, a rarity against the Wolverines defense. He just didn’t make enough plays in the second half to keep Indiana in position to win. Still, Ramsey’s effort was commendable. It’s also a good representation of the play he’s give the Hoosiers all year.
Last week vs. No. 4 Michigan: 16-of-35, 195 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
7. Clayton Thorson, Northwestern (Even)
It may not look like much in the stat column, but Thorson played his typical, efficient brand of football ad it was enough to net Northwestern its seventh win of the season. The 71.4 completion percentage against the Gophers was Thorson’s highest of the season. He also eclipsed 10,000 passing yards in his career with the Wildcats. The stat sheet doesn’t demand your attention, but this is exactly what Thorson does.
Last week vs. Minnesota: 15-of-21, 230 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
6. Adrian Martinez, Nebraska (Even)
Much like Michigan State’s Lombardi, it’s hard to judge Martinez’s performance in that blizzard that hit Lincoln Saturday afternoon. But the freshman played a sound game against a quality defense in harsh conditions. It’s hard to knock the kid for an underwhelming performance based on everything else he’s done this season.
Last week vs. Michigan State: 16-of-37, 145 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
5. Nate Stanley, Iowa (Even)
Four weeks had passed since Stanley last had multiple touchdown passes in a game. He had no trouble against the Illini, throwing three touchdown passes in a blowout victory for the Hawkeyes. This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Stanley, but Saturday’s outing was definitely one of the high points. We’ll see how he finishes the year Friday against Nebraska.
Last week vs. Illinois: 13-of-21, 178 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
4. Trace McSorley, Penn State (Even)
Not the best day for McSorley, but good enough for the win. The senior had just 183 passing yards and 39 rushing yards against an unimpressive Rutgers defense. It wasn’t the dominating performance we expected to see. McSorley did record his 100th career touchdown and became Penn State’s all-time winningest quarterback with the win, though. Just an incredible career.
Last week vs. Rutgers: 17-of-37, 183 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
3. David Blough, Purdue (Even)
Purdue’s loss Saturday was no fault of Blough. The senior threw four touchdown passes and had 386 yards through the air but it wasn’t enough to knock off Wisconsin. Since taking over the starting the job in mid-September, there aren’t many college quarterbacks who have played better than Blough. The Boilers just haven’t come away with wins.
Last week vs. Wisconsin: 31-of-48, 386 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
2. Shea Patterson, Michigan (Even)
There is a human side to Patterson. For the first time in four games, the Michigan gunslinger threw an interception in Saturday’s matchup against Indiana. That was one of his very few flaws this season. He threw for 250 yards and added 68 rushing yards to help push the Wolverines past IU. Now the biggest test of his career awaits: Ohio State.
Last week vs. Indiana: 16-of-28, 250 yards 1 TD, 1 INT
1. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (Even)
It took just one year for Haskins to break J.T. Barrett’s single-season passing touchdown record. And boy did Ohio State need every single one his touchdowns Saturday. Haskins accounted for all five of the Buckeyes’ second half touchdowns in a 52-51 win over Maryland. Seriously, who knows where Ohio State would be without him under center. Does he have any magic left for next week’s bout with Michigan?
Last week vs. Maryland: 28-of-38, 405 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB