National media outlets love to bash quarterback play in the SEC.

Sure, we are the first to admit that SEC quarterbacks aren’t posting spectacular numbers on a weekly basis. But the SEC offenses usually focus on running the ball and playing an old school style of football. Look at the top running backs in the nation. Where do they come from?

While the conference is known best for its running backs, the SEC has some pretty outstanding quarterbacks as well. They proved that once again in the bowl games. Let’s take a look.

Arkansas’ Brandon Allen finished the year ranked No. 1 on ESPN’s total QBR. He had 3,440 yards, 30 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. That’s pretty good.

Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly ranked third on this list. He finished the season with 4,042 yards, 31 TDs and 13 picks. He had the luxury of playing in an offense centered around passing and worked it to perfection. He proved it again in the Sugar Bowl gashing Oklahoma State with 302 yards and four touchdowns.

No. 11 on the list was Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott, who posted 380 yards and four touchdowns against N.C. State in the Belk Bowl. Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs, who was No. 16, threw for 166 yards against Northwestern, but also rushed for 48 yards and two TDs.

Jake Coker has been spotty all season but came through when it mattered the most. He threw for 286 yards and two TDs in Alabama’s win over Michigan State, and may have been the single most important factor in the victory.

There are several teams that need obvious upgrades at quarterback, but overall, the state of the position in the SEC looks pretty good.