2017 NFL Draft: Deshone Kizer Widens Lead In QB Race
By Erik Lambert
C.J. Beathard vs. Iowa
Throwing a game-sealing interception against a winless team is a surefire way to lose credibility in draft circles. That is exactly what C.J. Beathard did against Northwester. In fairness he was under pressure all day (6 sacks), had receivers drop key passes and also couldn’t get open enough. Even so he turned the ball over too much and couldn’t deliver in crunch time.
Seth Russell vs. Iowa State
What a warrior effort from Seth Russell. People were worried how his body would respond to hits after his scary injury in 2015. Safe to say he’s okay. Nevertheless he took some nasty shots against Iowa State and couldn’t get anything going in the passing game. It looked like Baylor was dead in the water, but he made things happen on the ground (88 yards rushing, 2 TDs) to secure a huge 45-42 comeback win. The Bears remain undefeated.
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Chad Kelly vs. Memphis
The best way to put it for Kelly is it was more of the same. There is no doubting that the Ole Miss quarterback has one of the best arms in college football. When he’s allowed to cut it loose, he can deliver a strike at any level of the field. The problem has always been his decision-making. Though he finished with over 300 yards and Rebels dominated Memphis, he had one TD pass and one interception on the night. Some good, some bad.
Luke Falk vs. Oregon
Putting up 50 points is always a good thing for a young quarterback, even in an offense that is designed to score a lot. To see Luke Falk lead Washington State in a big win over Oregon though was a huge boost for him. He was efficient all night long, completing 75% of his passes for 371 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. A few more games like that and people won’t be able to ignore him anymore.
Cooper Rush vs. Western Michigan
Often the best way to measure where a quarterback is depends on how he plays against good competition. Potential sleeper Cooper Rush had his chance against undefeated Western Michigan. Suffice to say it didn’t go as planned. Rush was batted most of the game for eight sacks. He completed just over 58% of his passes for 178 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Inhospitable to say the least.