FBS Week in Review: Clutch performers, record-breakers, and business as usual

FBS Week in Review: Clutch performers, record-breakers, and business as usual

 In College QB News, Featured News, Latest News

QB Country’s FBS quarterbacks had a strong Week 2. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Sam Howell (UNC)
After leading UNC to a 24-20 comeback win over South Carolina in his college debut, Sam did it again in Week 2, throwing for 274 yards and two TDs in a 28-25 thriller against Miami. His nine-yard touchdown pass to Dazz Newsome with just over a minute remaining capped a 75-yard drive that lifted the Tar Heels to victory. Said UNC coach Mack Brown about Sam’s performance:

“He’s got ice in his veins. He’s very confident. The weirdest thing about him, he gets sacked or he throws a touchdown pass—you can’t tell a difference in his demeanor.”

Sawyer Smith (Kentucky)
Sawyer took over for injured started Terry Wilson and threw two touchdowns (including a TD on his first pass) in Kentucky’s 38-17 victory over Eastern Michigan. It’s familiar territory for Sawyer who last year replaced injured starter Kaleb Barker at Troy and led the Trojans to a ten-win season and bowl game victory.

“It’s not fun how it happens,” said Sawyer after the game, “But it’s fun to get out there and do what I’ve been preparing for since I was a kid. Everybody wants to play in the SEC in this region of the United States.”

Dan Ellington (Georgia State)
A week removed from leading Georgia State to a stunning upset of Tennessee, Dan Ellington was every bit as impressive in the Panthers’ comeback victory over Furman. Dan went 29/37 for a career-high 362 yards and five touchdowns and added 86 rushing yards in the win. He also set school records for touchdown passes and total yards.

Said coach Shawn Elliot: “Dan did a phenomenal job orchestrating the offense.”

Tyler Johnston (UAB)
Tyler Johnston threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns to lead UAB to a 31-20 victory over Akron. UAB improved to 2-0 this season and 6-1 with Tyler under center. Three of Tyler’s touchdown passes went for 40 yards or more, including a career-long 76-yard pass to Myron Mitchell. The performance earned him Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors. 

Collin Hill (Colorado State)
It was a big week for Collin Hill as he threw for 367 yard and four touchdowns in Colorado State’s 38-13 victory over Western Illinois. Collin is back after missing last season with a knee injury and appears primed for a big season. He has also drawn praise for his leadership and command of the Rams offense from coach Mike Bobo:

“The understanding of the offense — before I get a play out of my mouth, he’s already turning around and saying it in the huddle, which is a good thing. He knows what’s coming, he finishes my sentences and I’m excited to see him play.”

Garrett Shrader, Mississippi State
Mississippi State true freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader became the latest QB Country trainee to step up under difficult circumstances, replacing injured starter Tommy Stevens in the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ 38-15 victory over Southern Miss. Garrett went 7/11 for 71 yards and earned praise from head coach, Joe Moorhead:

“As long as I’ve known him, he’s a guy that the situation is never too big for him. When Tommy was out and we said you’re in, he didn’t have that deer-in-the-headlights look in his eyes. He just went in there.”

Jake Fromm and Stetson Bennett, Georgia
It was another impressive and efficient outing for Jake who completed 10/11 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in a 63-17 blowout victory over Murray State. With the game in hand, the Bulldogs turned things over to their bench in the second half, giving backup QB Stetson Bennett extended action. Stetson turned in a strong performance, going 9/13 for 124 yards and two TDs and had perhaps the quote of the day:

“I’m completely confident in myself. That’s why I walked on here in the first place. I didn’t come here to be a frat star and be on the football team. I came here to play ball.”

Matt McKay, NC State
The Wolfpack are 2-0 thanks in large part to the strong play of Matt McKay, who turned in another strong performance this week in a win over Western Carolina. Matt went 18/28 for 200 yards and a touchdown to follow-up his winning college debut over East Carolina.

Zac Thomas, Appalachian State
Zac went 14/20 for 182 yards and three touchdowns in the Mountaineers’ 56-41 victory over Charlotte. Through the Mountaineers’ first two games (both wins) wins he’s completed nearly 70% of his passes with five touchdowns and no interceptions.