BREAKING : Big Ten QB Rankings Emphasize Clear Top Tier as Will Howard, Dillon Gabriel Headline Best … view belo
In this article, we’ll break down the Big Ten quarterback rankings for Week 13, with a focus on the clear top tier of performers. While the conference is loaded with talent across the field, there are a few standout quarterbacks who are generating the most buzz as we head into the final stretch of the season.
## The Elite Tier: Will Howard and Dillon Gabriel
### 1. **Will Howard (Penn State)**
Arguably the most impressive quarterback in the Big Ten this season, Will Howard has taken over as the face of Penn State’s offense. The junior signal-caller has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country, combining efficiency with big-play ability. Howard’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and extend plays with his legs has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Howard has been at the helm for a Penn State offense that is averaging over 30 points per game and has kept the Nittany Lions in contention for a top-tier bowl game. His strong arm allows him to make all the throws, whether it’s a deep shot down the sideline or a quick out route in the flat. But it’s Howard’s poise and decision-making that truly separates him from the pack. He doesn’t force throws, and his awareness of when to scramble or when to sit in the pocket has been a key factor in his development as a leader.
In Week 13, Penn State faces a tough matchup against a strong defense, but Howard’s ability to stay composed under pressure could prove to be the deciding factor. His performance this season has placed him squarely in the conversation for not only the Big Ten’s top quarterback but also for All-American honors.
### 2. **Dillon Gabriel (Minnesota)**
Dillon Gabriel of Minnesota has enjoyed a career year under center for the Golden Gophers. Coming into this season with a reputation for solid play but limited exposure on a national scale, Gabriel has become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the Big Ten. His ability to make precise throws on short, intermediate, and deep routes has been crucial in keeping Minnesota competitive in the stacked conference.
Gabriel’s efficiency is one of his standout attributes. He currently sits among the top quarterbacks in the nation in completion percentage, rarely missing throws within the first read or when targeting the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. Beyond that, Gabriel has shown a knack for improvisation, able to scramble when necessary and turn broken plays into positive gains.
Minnesota’s Week 13 matchup will test Gabriel’s mettle as they take on a strong defensive unit. However, if Gabriel continues to perform at his current level, Minnesota will remain in the hunt for a major bowl game. The Gophers will need Gabriel’s arm and leadership to continue to shine as they head into the final stretch of the season.
## The Next Tier: Capable of Greatness
### 3. **J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)**
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan’s talented dual-threat quarterback, remains one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten despite a slightly inconsistent start to the 2023 season. After a breakout campaign last year, expectations were high for McCarthy heading into 2023, and while he has lived up to a large portion of those, the Wolverines have shown that they can win with a balanced offense, taking some pressure off McCarthy’s shoulders.
McCarthy is a master of the deep ball, with a knack for hitting wide receivers on post routes or fades down the field. His arm strength, combined with his accuracy on these types of throws, makes him a constant deep threat. But McCarthy’s real value to Michigan lies in his ability to manage the offense efficiently and minimize mistakes. While he has the tools to take over a game, McCarthy’s decision-making and his comfort in Josh Gattis’ offensive system have allowed Michigan to run a methodical offense that doesn’t rely too heavily on him to bail them out.
In Week 13, McCarthy will need to elevate his game against a well-coached and tough opponent, as Michigan aims to keep its hopes for a College Football Playoff berth alive. McCarthy has the talent to do just that, but his consistency over four quarters will be the key to the Wolverines’ success.
### 4. **Tanner Morgan (Northwestern)**
Northwestern’s Tanner Morgan has been an unsung hero for the Wildcats this season. Morgan doesn’t have the arm strength or natural talent of some of the other quarterbacks in the conference, but he makes up for it with grit, smarts, and leadership. He has a knack for making clutch throws when needed, and his ability to take care of the football has kept Northwestern in the mix for an upper-tier bowl game.
Morgan’s performance this season has been largely defined by his maturity and his ability to operate in high-pressure situations. Despite being surrounded by an offense that often plays at a conservative pace, Morgan is able to read defenses and make key throws at just the right moments. His command of the offense, combined with his experience, makes him a quarterback that opposing defenses cannot afford to overlook.
In Week 13, Morgan will have to deal with a fierce defensive unit that will be looking to exploit any weaknesses. However, Morgan’s accuracy and ability to avoid turnovers should keep Northwestern in the game. If he can continue to execute with precision, the Wildcats could end the season on a high note.
## The Rising Stars: Potential to Make Noise
### 5. **Peyton Thorne (Michigan State)**
Peyton Thorne, the signal-caller for Michigan State, is another quarterback with a high ceiling. After an up-and-down start to the season, Thorne has begun to settle into the role and show flashes of brilliance. His ability to throw the deep ball is his greatest asset, and he has found success hitting wide receivers on go routes and post patterns down the field.
Thorne’s performance in Week 13 will be pivotal for the Spartans, as they look to close out the season with a win. He must continue to show progress in his ability to read defenses, particularly against a tough secondary. If Thorne can reduce his mistakes and take care of the football, Michigan State’s offense will be difficult to contain.
### 6. **Braxton Miller (Indiana)**
Indiana’s Braxton Miller, a transfer quarterback, has surprised many in his first year with the Hoosiers. Miller has demonstrated an ability to make all the throws, though he still has some areas to improve. His mobility and ability to move in and out of the pocket have allowed Indiana to run more up-tempo offensive schemes, and he has also shown flashes of the ability to stretch the field.
Miller’s development has been one of the brighter storylines for Indiana this year. With more consistency and improved decision-making, he could continue to make a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. Week 13 will be a critical moment in his development as he faces a tough matchup that will test his decision-making under pressure.
## Honorable Mentions: Up-and-Coming Talent
### 7. **CJ Stroud (Ohio State)**
Although CJ Stroud is not a current member of the Big Ten, his previous stints with Ohio State have left a lasting impact. His legacy remains, and many analysts point to his performance in recent seasons as a blueprint for the future of Big Ten quarterbacks.
## Conclusion
Week 13 of the 2023 college football season will see some of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks take center stage. Will Howard and Dillon Gabriel have firmly established themselves as the conference’s top-tier signal-callers, while the likes of J.J. McCarthy and Tanner Morgan remain in the mix for the second tier. With the race for playoff positioning and bowl games heating up, it will be crucial for each of these quarterbacks to perform at their highest level to lead their teams to victory.
As the season winds down, the Big Ten remains one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, and the quarterback play will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the final weeks. Whether it’s Howard’s steady hand, Gabriel’s accuracy, or McCarthy’s big-play ability, the stage is set for a thrilling end to the regular season.
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