Top QBs shine in college football Week 12

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues his quest for the Heisman Trophy as he simultaneously rewrites the Indiana record books. Mendoza’s 30 passing touchdowns is a new school record and Indiana’s No. 2 ranking is the highest in school history as well.

Next week vs Purdue is 2025’s final trap with a potential trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on the line.

Why is he the man? He’s not the biggest, nor is he the most explosive runner possessing electric moves in the open field. He doesn’t have the biggest arm in the world and his ball placement on deep passes is good but not great.

The awards and accolades are great at the college level but Mendoza continues to establish himself as QB1 and widening the gap between himself and his competitors. Flawlessly executing the offense while minimizing negative plays, taking what the defense gives him but most importantly capitalizing on every opportunity afforded to him.

Week of wow especially at College Station 

Week 12 was a roller coaster of a week and quarterback play had to be tracked by the half. An insane amount of momentum swings saw bad halves turn into great comebacks. It also saw phenomenal opening starts fade in the clutch.

Texas A&M vs. South Carolina Marcel Reed vs. LaNorris Sellars 

Absolute pandemonium of a football game and the epitome of a tale of two halves. The game started with Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed having the worst game of his life. Having thrown two interceptions and a thick six fumble recovery to South Carolina defensive tackle Nick Barrett. A&M scored just three points on its first 10 possessions.

In the third quarter alone the offense went bananas finishing with 240 yards of offense on 17 plays. Reed, atoning for a poor first half, would throw for 203 yards on 9/12 attempts and three touchdowns. Adding another 95 passing yards on 7/8 attempts to finish with a career-high 439 yards passing and three touchdowns.

LaNorris Sellars threw touchdowns of 50 and 80 yards and 204 total passing yards in the first half. In the second half he amassed a whopping 63 yards passing and was under constant duress, being sacked four times in the fourth quarter.  

Oregon vs. Minnesota Dante Moore 

Is Moore going back to Oregon for one more year? Or is he the third best quarterback in this years draft? Your interpretation of his season is the question. Moore completed 27 of his 30 pass attempts for 306 yards two touchdowns and a 197.7 qb rating. Against an over rated Minnesota secondary. One question exists: can he win against better competition. Next week the USC Trojans come to town and a shot at the CFP is on the line.

Backsliding in the pack

At the beginning of the season there were many quarterbacks who looked like they were the next big thing. As the season has progressed and nears its end some have missed the mark. Some are backsliding at the wrong time.

Oklahoma vs Alabama John Mateer vs. Ty Simpson

Alabama quarterback Simpson was in contention for QB1 talks headed into the draft season despite being a junior. However, losing to Oklahoma 23-21, a second overall/conference loss is a huge blow. Alabama is outside of the SEC title game picture and on the fringe of CFP eligibility. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables' defense proved to be too daunting for Simpson and the Alabama offense.

No. 21 USC vs. No 17 Iowa- Jayden Maiava 

Maiava continues to impress and help build Makai Lemon’s campaign for the Biletnikoff Award. Throwing for 254 yards, and a touchdown on 23/32 attempts is no small feat against the Iowa defense. Winning 26-21 is a great team win but doesn’t do much for Maiava’s campaign.

No. 7 Ole Miss vs. Florida- Trinidad Chambliss

Chambliss came out strong and was taking the SEC by storm. Losing a tightly contested game to Georgia wasn’t the end of the world, but his play hasn’t quite been the same. The Florida Gators gave Chambliss all he could handle and more.

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• Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
• Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
• Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
• Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer