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Many SEC teams enter the 2014 season with much more unsettled quarterback situations than they enjoyed last year. That’s what happens when six of your top seven quarterbacks, statistically speaking, did not return.
When will we learn about the respective abilities of the new quarterbacks?
After talking with Vegas handicapper Brian Edwards, we’ll list the key initial test for each team’s unproven signal-caller.
Alabama: Sept. 20 vs. Florida
Quarterback: Blake Sims/Jacob Coker
Alabama’s quarterback (quarterbacks?) are unlikely to face a real test against West Virginia, Florida Atlantic or Southern Miss.
“If Jacob Coker and Blake Sims just play OK, not great, against the West Virginia defense, I think you have a question mark with Alabama all the way to the Florida game,” Edwards said. “I don’t think we really know about Alabama’s QB situation until we see them go up against a Will Muschamp defensive game plan on Sept. 20.”
Georgia: Aug. 30 vs. Clemson
Quarterback: Hutson Mason
“I think we find out with Hutson Mason right away,” Edwards said. “Clemson is going to have their best defense in a decade or two. They’ve got defensive end Vic Beasley, who was first-team All-American last year. If he plays well against Clemson’s defense, then I think you have your opinion of Hutson Mason. (And) obviously he’s got the best 1-2 running back combo in the country now that they’re healthy.”
Kentucky: Sept. 13 at Florida
Quarterback: Patrick Towles
LSU: Sept. 20 vs. Mississippi State
Quarterback: Anthony Jennings/Brandon Harris
“Wisconsin only has three starters back on defense, so maybe it’s wait-and-see with LSU like it is with Alabama,” Edwards said. “Mississippi State’s got a really good defense, so Sept. 20 we’ll know more. That is a home game. At Auburn, that’s going to be the first career road start for whoever it is, whether it’s Anthony Jennings or Brandon Harris for LSU.”
South Carolina: Aug. 28 vs. Texas A&M
Quarterback: Dylan Thompson
“I think Texas A&M’s defense is bad, but this is a big stage tonight with Dylan Thompson and South Carolina,” Edwards said.
Edwards pointed out that Thompson played well in 2012, but struggled against Missouri and didn’t play particularly well against UCF in 2013.
Texas A&M: Aug. 28 at South Carolina
Quarterback: Kenny Hill
“We find out with Kenny Hill tonight on the road in a very hostile environment at South Carolina,” Edwards said.
Vanderbilt: Sept. 6 vs. Ole Miss
Quarterback: Patton Robinette
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
