Pass, fail or incomplete: Dak Prescott tops SEC QB report card in Week 7

Each week, former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia will grade the SEC quarterbacks’ performances.

We begin with Week 7’s Valedictorian … Dak Prescott, whose dual-threat ability was on display during Mississippi State’s 45-20 victory over Louisiana Tech.

Dak Prescott (Mississippi State): 30-43 for 347 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: This was the Prescott many were expecting to see this year. He was on point against a better than expected La. Tech team led by former Gators QB Jeff Driskel. I was impressed with Prescott’s pocket passing; he has markedly improved that part of his game from last year. And of course he still is a threat to run and added a rushing touchdown.
Grade: A

Chad Kelly (Ole Miss): 33-47 for 372 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
My take: Ole Miss has dropped two games after beating Alabama. Kelly again threw for over 300 yards and posted a 70 percent completion rate. His two interceptions hurt, but the last one with under 20 seconds to go and down by 13 didn’t really influence his grade or the outcome. I thought he played well again, especially when throwing to Laquon Treadwell.
Grade: B+

Perry Orth (South Carolina): 17-28 for 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
My take: Perry again had a solid game. Something that should be added to the stat line is dropped passes. The Gamecock wide receivers had seven. It’s hard enough back there, and when guys drop it, it stings even more. He has taken over this team with his leadership and it is much deserved. I’m sure he feels a lot less pressure now that he knows he is the uncontested QB1.
Grade: B+

Brandon Harris (LSU): 13-19 for 202 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: It looks to me like Harris has gained confidence and is playing much better than what I’ve seen in the past. He’s running around and making plays, such as the giant scrambling touchdown pass right before halftime on Saturday against Florida. Obviously, when you have a guy like Leonard Fournette behind you, you only get so many reps to show your skills. But Harris was effective again and turnover free. If he can continue playing this way, LSU will be threat to go undefeated.
Grade: B

Treon Harris (Florida): 17-32 for 271 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: Harris was pretty solid against a damn good LSU defense. The good thing with Treon is that he has plenty of experience and is an exceptional athlete. The offense has changed since Coach McElwain arrived, but I figured they would still try to use Harris’ ability to run a little more. I though Harris was pretty accurate and showed his arm strength. I also saw a much improved processor. He made some good reads, both pre-snap and during the play.
Grade: B

Sean White (Auburn): 17-27 for 255 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: White again took care of the ball and didn’t hurt the Auburn offense, but still has yet to throw a touchdown in his third consecutive start. I was impressed with how calm he was under duress, and he made some very accurate throws down field. Credit White for delivering a big — and needed — win.
Grade: B

Jacob Coker (Alabama): 19-25 for 138 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: Not eye popping numbers, but Coker again was effective. I didn’t think he was much of a runner, and my feelings were solidified early in this game. I then saw him cut back across the field and lower his shoulder on the sideline on a defensive back. Say what you want, but that takes some cajones. His main target, Calvin Ridley, was bottled up all afternoon and Derrick Henry was pretty much unstoppable. Coach Lane Kiffin had no reason to throw the ball 30-plus times.
Grade: B-

Patrick Towles (Kentucky): 27-44 for 359 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
My take: Towles had another solid effort Thursday night. I really enjoy his style of play and think that he doesn’t enough respect around the conference. He did miss a couple of throws that I’ve seen him make easily, and the red zone pick proved to be a costly play for the Wildcats.
Grade: B-

Greyson Lambert (Georgia): 23-32 for 178 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
My take: Missouri has the best pass defense in the SEC, statistically. The Tigers showed that again as Lambert had a tough night. The stats don’t show it, but Lambert could have easily thrown four picks. Without their No. 1 running back in Nick Chubb, the Bulldogs will lean on Lambert more and more. He opened the season red hot, but has cooled off considerable by making some bad reads and inaccurate throws. Hopefully he gets his confidence back and start firing it around again.
Grade: C-

Drew Lock (Missouri): 11-26 for 143 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
My take: While Lock didn’t turn the ball over, he failed to really get the ball moving. Georgia’s defense looked very inspired, though, after giving up more than 30 points in each of their previous two games. Lock is still being baptized by fire, so everyone just relax. It’s not easy playing in this conference as a youngin’!
Grade: C-

Kyle Allen (Texas A&M): 20-40 for 263 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
My take: Not one of sophomore’s better outings. He and the Aggies offense struggled throughout. Allen was pressured from the first drive (and was sacked five times) and forced to throw off balance constantly. He’s still one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks, but this wasn’t his best performance. The Bama defensive pressure was all over him and he didn’t have an answer. Three interceptions returned for touchdowns is no bueno.
Grade: D

Johnny McCrary (Vanderbilt): 21-42 for 177 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
My take: McCrary had a difficult day against South Carolina. McCrary had been playing pretty well this season, as he ranks sixth in passing yards in the SEC. But Saturday was a struggle. He threw three picks and was inaccurate on a majority of his throws. He’s better than what he showed Saturday.
Grade: D

Chris Wright

Managing Editor

A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.