.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
The SEC's best QB quietly putting together his best season yet
Considering the importance of the quarterback position and the high-profile nature of the SEC, it's remarkable how unnoticed Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott has gone during his senior campaign.
Helping lead his team to a 7-2 record heading into Saturday’s Alabama game, Prescott has connected on 200 of his 300 pass attempts for 2,351 yards and 18 touchdowns, with only one interception. He's also contributed 418 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
Prescott’s play has not gone unnoticed by rival coaches.
"I'm amazed he's not talked about more in the Heisman race to be honest," Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said Wednesday.
To put it kindly, Stoops’ Wildcat defense had issues slowing down Prescott during their matchup Oct. 24. The Bulldog quarterback piled up 465 yards of total offense and six touchdowns in his final appearance against Kentucky.
Stoops congratulated Prescott after the game, telling his annual cross-division opponent no tears would be shed in Lexington when he leaves college for the next level.
"Thank goodness you're done because I'm tired of playing you," Stoops told Prescott on the field.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn -- who suffered losses to Prescott the last two seasons -- spoke not only of the quarterback's skill, but also of his importance to Mississippi State's success.
“He makes them go, he’s one of the better players in our league," Malzahn said. "He probably has as much impact on his team as one person of anyone in our league. He’s a special player, he can throw it, he’s like a running back, he’s got total command of the offense.”
As opposing coaches are beginning to run out of superlatives to describe Prescott's performance on the field, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin bestowed a different kind of praise to the senior quarterback.
"The biggest compliment you can give a guy -- a player or a coach -- is that ‘Would you want him to be part of your team or part of your organization?’ and he’s that guy," Sumlin said. "Class act, we’ve obviously watched him grow… not only as a football player but as a quarterback.
"His decision to come back was a great one, watching him grow as a passer, he’s always been a great leader, always been a guy that had the ability to make good decisions... as a passer he is much improved and his statistics show it."
Heading into what should be his toughest test, against the Alabama defense, Prescott and his offensive-minded head coach Dan Mullen will butt heads with the defensive minds of Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
As both teams prepare, Prescott's play has certainly caught the attention of Alabama's head coach.
"Dan's does a tremendous job with him, in executing their offense because of his skillset," Saban said. "He’s an outstanding passer, he’s always a threat to run, whether it’s a quarterback run or whatever -- scramble, extending plays. They’ve just been really productive and I think he’s the key component, every things sorta built around what he does and he’s done a fantastic job this year.
"I’m sure he’s worked hard on becoming a more efficient effective passer and he’s certainly been able to do that."
If so many of his opposing coaches come away so impressed with Prescott, why then is the Mississippi State quarterback not even mentioned among the elite players in the country or considered for the Heisman Trophy?
His head coach was asked that question Wednesday.
"I like to wait until the end of the season and look at what everyone's done and produced," Mullen said. "If he plays really well, I wouldn't see why (he’s) not (a contender for the Heisman)."
Contributing impressive numbers on the national stage while leading Mississippi State to its first win over Alabama in eight seasons would give Prescott all the push he would likely need to toss his name into the ring for college football's ultimate prize.
Just don't ask his head coach to prop up his quarterback for any awards just yet, the rest of the SEC's coaches have already taken care of that for him.
