Emerging quarterbacks

BIG TEN Blake Powers, Indiana. Powers went from an inexperienced maybe during the spring to a huge reason for the Hoosiers' 3-0 start. Last year, as Matt LoVecchio's understudy, Powers completed nine of 22 passes. But the sophomore has been productive this season despite having to adjust to new coach Terry Hoeppner's spread offense. In Indiana's first three games, Powers completed 53 of 93 throws for 718 yards and 11 touchdowns. Powers' first real test comes Saturday, in Indiana's Big Ten opener against Wisconsin. "He's efficient and good with his decision-making skills," Hoeppner says. "But he has a long way to go. Still, from the throwing of the football to his ability to run-especially staying alive in the pocket--I don't have any question about him. It's doing the other parts and applying those physical skills in the context of the offense." So far, Powers seems to be doing that pretty well.

SEC Brandon Cox, Auburn. Cox is expected back Saturday against South Carolina after missing last week's win over Western Kentucky with a stomach virus. Sure, Cox stumbled in the opener against Georgia Tech, throwing four interceptions, but the sophomore hasn't been picked since. He was impressive against Ball State, going 16-of-19 for 171 yards and a score, and he looked comfortable running the offense.

ACC Sam Hollenbach, Maryland. Sure, every now and then Hollenbach is going to lock on to Vernon Davis instead of going through his reads. But let's face it: Davis caught 15 passes in the Terps' first four games and averaged 23.5 yards per reception. Hollenbach has deep knowledge of the playbook and, for the most part, is looking for the right receiver. "Once a quarterback understands how to do that, you have a chance to make progress with him," coach Ralph Friedgen says. Hollenbach took over the starting job late last year but had to win it again during spring and summer drills. No problem. He is big and cool in the pocket and has been accurate.

BIG 12 Cody Hodges, Texas Tech. Like Mike Leach wasn't going to have anyone to run his offense. Right. Hodges is a fifth-year senior with a big arm and a desire to spin scoreboards. He helped the Red Raiders put up 80 on Sam Houston State and 63 on Indiana State.

BIG EAST Brian Brohm, Louisville. Brohm filled in admirably last year for Stefan LeFors. But Brohm is better now. He is a tremendous athlete piloting a wide-open system that should be the scourge of a weakened Big East. Expect eye-popping numbers and many wins.

C-USA Steven Moffett, Central Florida. In his first game after a so-so 2004, Moffett showed poise against South Carolina, completing 27 of 39 passes for 258 yards and a TD. He is grasping coach George O'Leary's offense and showing more leadership and confidence.

MAC Luke Getsy, Akron. Coach J.D. Brookhart has a good replacement for Charlie Frye. Getsy, a Pitt transfer, knows the attack, having already played for Brookhart, who was an assistant with the Panthers. Getsy has a strong enough arm to help Akron contend for a bowl berth.

MOUNTAIN WEST Brian Johnson, Utah. Johnson is showing that Alex Smith's departure isn't reason for panic. His quick start has the offense operating efficiently, if not as spectacularly as last year's. That will come, thanks to Johnson's accurate arm and quick feet.

PAC-10 Sam Keller, Arizona State. Filling in for injured Andrew Walter in last year's Sun Bowl, Keller threw for 370 yards and three TDs. In the first four games of 2005, he has passed for 1,443 yards and 16 TDs. Keller, a junior, has a big arm and all the skills. He just needed a chance.

SUN BELT Danny Embick, Florida Atlantic. You can bet he's happy to see conference play begin after a series of rough nonconference outings. A West Virginia transfer, Embick is a dangerous runner and accurate passer who will make the Owls a dangerous Sun Belt foe.

WAC Colt Brannan, Hawaii. You want to replace a record setter? Get a guy named Colt. The JC transfer has the arm and the smarts to operate June Jones' spread attack. He took over the No. 1 job in the opener against Southern California and seems a sure bet to keep it.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group