QB Ranks: Where T.J. Finley stacks among fellow SEC quarterbacks through week one
Auburn Football used a two-quarterback system to defeat Mercer in week one, 42-16.
Early last week, head coach Bryan Harsin announced that T.J. Finley would take the opening snap of the season-opener. However, with the quarterback race being so tight throughout the summer, it was reported that Oregon transfer Robby Ashford would also see playing time against Mercer.
Both athletes did in fact get equal playing time in the win. Finley completed 9-of-14 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. His only fault was throwing two interceptions. As for Ashford, he completed 4-of-7 passes for an even 100 yards. He also showcased his wheels by rushing for an additional 68 yards, which was second-highest in the category behind Tank Bigsby’s 147-yard performance.
Now that week one’s games are officially over, it is time to compare Auburn’s quarterbacks to the rest of the SEC in the passer rating category.
The SEC is loaded with quarterback talent this season, and there were several performances over the weekend that supported the claim. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, Bryce Young, had another strong outing for the Tide, while Will Rogers led Mississippi State’s air raid attack to a massive win over Memphis.
While Auburn used two quarterbacks in Saturday’s win, only Finley’s stats can be used in the SEC leaderboard, because Ashford did not attempt more than 10 passes in the Mercer game. However, if he were eligible to be included on the SEC’s top-passers list, he would rank No. 6 among active SEC quarterbacks with a rating of 177.1.
Now that every SEC team has a game under their belt (with the exception of Vanderbilt, who has played two games so far), here’s a look at the SEC’s top passers according to current passer rating:
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Result: South Carolina 35 Georgia State 14
Stats: 22-of-37, 227 yards, TD, 2 INT
Current Passer Rating: 111.80
Jaxon Dart, Ole Miss
Justin Ford/Getty Images
Result: Ole Miss 28 Troy 10
Stats: 18-of-27, 154 yards, TD, INT
Current Passer Rating: 119.39
T.J. Finley, Auburn
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Auburn 42 Mercer 16
Stats: 9-of-14, 112 yards, TD, 2 INT
Current Passer Rating: 126.49
Anthony Richardson, Florida
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Result: Florida 29 Utah 26
Stats: 17-of-24, 168 yards
Current Passer Rating: 129.63
For more on Florida check out Gators Wire
Brady Cook, Missouri
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Result: Missouri 52 Louisiana Tech 24
Stats: 18-of-27, 201 yards, TD, INT
Current Passer Rating: 134.01
Jayden Daniels, LSU
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Result- Florida State 24 LSU 23
Stats- 26-of-35, 209 yards, 2 TD
Current Passer Rating: 143.3
For more on the Tigers check out LSU Wire
Mike Wright, Vanderbilt
The Tennessean
Result: Vanderbilt 42 Elon 31
Stats: 31-of-50, 391 yards, 6 TD
Current Passer Rating: 167.29
Will Levis, Kentucky
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Result: Kentucky 37 Miami (OH) 13
Stats: 21-of-32, 303 yards, 3 TD, INT
Current Passer Rating: 169.85
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Result: Tennessee 59 Ball State 10
Stats: 18-of-25, 221 yards, 2 TD
Current Passer Rating: 172.66
For more on Tennessee check out Vols Wire
KJ Jefferson, Arkansas
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Result: Arkansas 31 Cincinnati 24
Stats: 18-of-26, 223 yards, 3 TD
Current Passer Rating: 179.35
For more on Arkansas check out Razorbacks Wire
Bryce Young, Alabama
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Alabama 55 Utah State 0
Stats: 18-of-28, 195 yards, 5 TD
Current Passer Rating: 181.71
For more on Alabama check out Roll Tide Wire
Haynes King, Texas A&M
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Result: Texas A&M 31 Sam Houston State 0
Stats: 20-of-31, 364 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Current Passer Rating: 182.18
For more on Texas A&M check out Aggies Wire
Will Rogers, Mississippi State
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Result: Mississippi State 49 Memphis 23
Stats: 38-of-49, 450 yards, 5 TD, INT
Current Passer Rating: 184.29
Stetson Bennett, Georgia
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Georgia 49 Oregon 3
Stats: 25-of-31, 368 yards, 2 TD
Current Passer Rating: 201.65
For more on the Dawgs check out UGA Wire
