Ranking the QB situations at each Texas FBS program after two weeks

[caption id="attachment_24064" align="alignright" width="350"]Texas Tech vs Baylor-5506 Photo by Will Leverett[/caption] The quarterback position is the most important in football. After two weeks of action in college we have a clearer view of where the programs land in the pecking order across the state. Texas Tech Patrick Mahomes and the Red Raiders might have lost on the road to Arizona State last week, but it wasn’t because of the signal-caller. The junior leads the NCAA in passing yards with 1,173 in two contests. He averages nearly a first down per attempt and contributes on the ground as a rusher. He’s the best in the state. Houston Greg Ward Jr. sat out the second game of the season, a win over Lamar, but the speedy John Tyler product proved against Oklahoma in Week 1 that he gives the Cougars a chance to run the table and enter the College Football Playoffs. He’s a true dual-threat who is becoming a consistent passer under Tom Herman. TCU Kenny Hill isn’t the problem at TCU. The Horned Frogs lost in overtime to Arkansas last week despite a strong performance from the quarterback. TCU is sixth in the nation in passing attempts with 108 and rank third in overall offense. Injuries at running back and a lack of support from the defense puts a lot on Hill’s arm and legs, but the transfer is handling it well so far. Texas Shane Buechele will eventually look like a true freshman, I think. So far, he’s put a level of optimism in Austin that disappeared after Colt McCoy hurt his shoulder against Alabama in Pasadena. Buechele is making the right decision and getting the ball deep, opening up the offense for the rushing attack. Texas A&M It shouldn’t be shocking that Texas A&M and Missouri lead the SEC in passing attempts. Trevor Knight passed an early test against UCLA, scoring the game-winning touchdown against UCLA. He didn’t play much in a blowout win against Prairie View A&M. Baylor Seth Russell likely ends the season ranked much higher on the list. He struggled mightily in the first half against SMU and hasn’t looked sharp in the first two weeks. The Bears rushing attack has led the offense through two wins. Texas State Tyler Jones is the truth and G5 football fans knew that for a few years. The Bobcats didn’t play last week and face Arkansas this week, but Jones was spectacular in the Week 1 overtime win over Ohio. He passed for over 400 yards in the upset. His debut was made even more impressive by the lack of experience at the wide receiver position. UTSA Dalton Sturm is currently rotating a few possessions with grad transfer Jared Johnson. Yet, it is the former walk-on who is playing the better football when he’s in the game. Sturm has completed 72 percent of his passes and scored with both his arm and legs. North Texas Freshman Mason Fine played adequately in the Mean Green victory over Bethune-Cookman. Seth Littrell can coach up a quarterback and Fine gives him a young player to mold over the next few seasons. He showed glimpses of potential in Week 2. [caption id="attachment_25353" align="alignleft" width="350"]Ben Hicks Photo by Will Leverett[/caption] SMU The Mustangs lost quarterback Matt Davis to injury, forcing Ben Hicks into the starting lineup. He played well late in the win over North Texas before struggling against a much better Baylor team. He completed just 38.6 percent of his passes and tossed three interceptions. Rice The Owls are a mess and the quarterback play isn’t helping the cause. Rice is averaging 190 yards passing a game, good for second to last in Conference USA. Tyler Stehling has three touchdowns to just one interception, but is only averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. UTEP UTEP ranks last in Conference USA with 151 yards passing per game. The rushing attack built around Aaron Jones makes up a bulk of the offense. For the Miners to reach a bowl game some semblance of a passing game must be created.