Two of the biggest X-factors in the SEC this upcoming season could be Texas quarterback Arch Manning and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
While there are high opinions on both, there are also some people who are questioning them.
Can Arch Manning Be Great As He Replaces Quinn Ewers?
As Arch Manning takes over as the full-time starter at Texas, with Quinn Ewers moving on to the NFL, it is time to gauge whether Manning can lead this team to true success this year.
On3 analyst J.D. Pickell recently broke down whether or not Manning can deliver on the hype.
“(Manning) is tied for the best odds in college football to win the Heisman…To put that kind of hype on the guy, that’s not fair.”
Last season, in spare play, Manning completed nearly 68% of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns.
He also rushed for four scores.
If he can play complete football for an entire season, he might have a great chance to win the Heisman and put the Longhorns in a great position to contend.
Is Garrett Nussmeier the Real Deal?
Locked On LSU host Shea Dixon recently chatted about what anonymous coaches had to say about LSU’s starting quarterback.
While there was one anonymous defensive coordinator who took a shot at Nussmeier, there were some anonymous coaches who stood up for the senior.
“Another SEC coach noted Nussmeier’s passing yard total and said ‘he’s going to cause a lot of problems for teams.'”
Nussmeier could be the best-returning quarterback in the SEC this upcoming year. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns en route to guiding the Tigers to nine wins.
If the Tigers are going to go anywhere this season, Nussmeier is going to have to show up in a big way. If he can limit the turnovers (12 interceptions), head coach Brian Kelly’s team could contend in both the SEC and the College Football Playoff.
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Remember, Kelly still lacks a national title in his career portfolio. Nussmeier could be the key to the longtime head coach’s achieving glory this time around.
Both quarterbacks have plenty of talent and are on marquee teams, and the hopes of those teams will rest on the shoulders of both.
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