Auburn Football: Pre-Spring SEC Quarterback Power Rankings

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter of the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Maty Mauk suffered through the ups and downs of what many might call a “sophomore slump.” Following a freshman season in which he completed 68 of 133 passes for 1,071 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions, Mauk entered 2014 as one of the SEC’s rising stars.

In the first four games of the season against South Dakota State, Toledo, UCF and Indiana, he looked the part with 978 yards, 14 touchdowns and a 61.6% completion percentage. But when the level of competition increased against South Carolina, Georgia and Florida the following three weeks, Mauk was dreadful.

The 6-foot, 200-pound signal caller completed only 37% of his passes in those three games for 249 yards without a touchdown and was intercepted five times. Despite Missouri defeating the Gators 42-13 in The Swamp, Mauk completed only six of 20 passes for 18 yards.

However, Mauk largely regained form in the second half of the season to finish with 2,648 yards on 221-for-414 passing with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He added 229 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries and thanks to one of the league’s best defenses, led Mizzou to the SEC East title.

Because of his winning ways and the lack of a major threat from the rest of the depth chart, Mauk will be the starting quarterback in Columbia as long as he’s healthy. Because of his experience and potential, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC.

Next: 2. Auburn