NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the 4 CFP Quarterbacks Vying for the National Title

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

4. J.J. McCarthy - Michigan
Early in the season, J.J. McCarthy was playing as well as anyone and was a real contender for the Heisman Trophy. The second half of the season has not been as strong for him and the Michigan offense. Whether that is by design, as the Wolverines' defense strangled opponents, or if McCarthy is dealing with an injury is unknown. He completed 74.2% of his passes this season with only four interceptions, but Michigan has had one passing touchdown since October 21. They'll need more from McCarthy to beat Alabama.
Ranking the College Football Playoff Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is the most important and consequential one on the gridiron. The four teams in the College Football Playoff are built differently, but they all have needed good quarterback play throughout the season to achieve a spot in the top four. Washington's Michael Penix Jr. was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Quinn Ewers missed a few games but is now healthy and leading a solid offense. J.J. McCarthy looked outstanding at the beginning of the season, but the Michigan passing game has lacked explosiveness in recent weeks. Alabama's Jalen Milroe was considered a weakness at the start of the campaign but has shown considerable growth. How do the four quarterbacks in the College Football Playoff Semifinals stack up against each other?
1. Michael Penix Jr. - Washington
The senior transfer has led the Washington Huskies all season and engineered a 4,218-yard campaign in 2023. He threw for 33 touchdowns to only nine interceptions and has shown up in the team's biggest games with clutch moments. His drive to beat the Oregon Ducks in the regular season was a standout. Penix Jr. has a powerful arm and can stretch the field with accuracy. Plus, he has a group of dynamic receivers led by Rome Odunze.
2. Quinn Ewers - Texas
Quinn Ewers was considered a "can't miss" prospect when he committed to Texas before the 2022 season. His freshman season did not go as planned, but Ewers rededicated himself to being a leader and fulfilling his potential. He has led Texas to a Big 12 Championship and a spot against Washington as the No. 3 seed. Ewers missed a pair of games but still threw for 3,161 yards, along with 21 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Ewers can use his legs to score (5 TDs rushing) and has as much arm talent as anyone in the country. He played a fantastic game against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game and looks healthy for a run at the National Championship.
3. Jalen Milroe - Alabama
Jalen Milroe began the season as the starting quarterback but was benched as the attack struggled. The move did not work, as Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner failed to do any better. Milroe was reinserted, and the Crimson Tide have improved drastically since. Milroe completed 65.5% of his passes for 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He has also run for 468 yards and 12 scores. The Crimson Tide could win another national title if Milroe can pair his dynamic ability to run with more consistent accuracy.
4. J.J. McCarthy - Michigan
Early in the season, J.J. McCarthy was playing as well as anyone and was a real contender for the Heisman Trophy. The second half of the season has not been as strong for him and the Michigan offense. Whether that is by design, as the Wolverines' defense strangled opponents, or if McCarthy is dealing with an injury is unknown. He completed 74.2% of his passes this season with only four interceptions, but Michigan has had one passing touchdown since October 21. They'll need more from McCarthy to beat Alabama.
Ranking the College Football Playoff Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is the most important and consequential one on the gridiron. The four teams in the College Football Playoff are built differently, but they all have needed good quarterback play throughout the season to achieve a spot in the top four. Washington's Michael Penix Jr. was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Quinn Ewers missed a few games but is now healthy and leading a solid offense. J.J. McCarthy looked outstanding at the beginning of the season, but the Michigan passing game has lacked explosiveness in recent weeks. Alabama's Jalen Milroe was considered a weakness at the start of the campaign but has shown considerable growth. How do the four quarterbacks in the College Football Playoff Semifinals stack up against each other?

Ranking the 4 CFP Quarterbacks Vying for the National Title

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