MAC Quarterbacks on Attack

The MAC is made up of schools like Miami of Ohio, Toledo, Marshall, and Kent St. They are not known for being football powerhouses. As a matter of fact they rarely crack the top 25 poll in any given year, but lately they've been producing some top-notch quarterback talent.

Last year, Ben Rothlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers(Miami, OH grad) went 15-1, Chad Pennington of the NY Jets(Marshall grad.) went 11-5, and Byron Leftwich of the Jacksonville Jaguars(Marshall grad.) went 10-6. That's a combined 36-12 record with all three quarterbacks leading their team to the playoffs. Sounds more like the winning percentage of Marino, Montana, and Elway.

Clearly there is no comparison to those hall of famers yet because these quarterbacks are so young, all under the age of 30. But what's amazing is the success these guys have had so early in their careers. Over the years NFL offenses and defenses have gotten more complicated yet these young MAC quarterbacks have been able to step in without any pro experience and win.

Over their first sixteen games Byron Leftwich went (8-8), Rothlisberger (15-1), and Pennington (11-5). Compare that to players like Donovan McNabb(7-9 through his first 16 starts) and Peyton Manning (3-13 through his first 16 starts). It's quite impressive how they have started their careers.

So is it just by chance or are MAC quarterbacks more polished coming out of college?

First of all, the MAC has better talent now than it has had in the past. Division I scholarships were cut down a few years ago which resulted in a Michigan or Ohio State recruit choosing a MAC school because that's where the scholarship was available.

But you really need to look deeper than that. See, MAC schools are traditionally smaller on the line than the major conferences which forces them spread the field and throw the ball more, like many pro teams. That doesn't necessarily mean that these quarterbacks are more accurate because they throw more, but what it does mean is that these guys have less room for error.