Predicting the Winners of College Football’s QB Competitions

New Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has a lot to do to turn around his alma mater after the unsuccessful stints of former coach Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke. One of the first items on the list is finding a new starting quarterback to replace the departed Devin Gardner.

Following spring practice, the leader for the job was Shane Morris, who has played sparingly over the past two seasons. As a freshman in 2013, Morris saw action in three games and was 29-for-47 for 261 yards and threw two interceptions without a touchdown. He started the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State and completed 24 of 38 passes for 196 yards and tossed an interception.

Last year, Morris played in five contests. He completed only 14 of 40 pass attempts for 128 yards, zero touchdowns and was intercepted three times. His biggest impact came following a concussion scandal that eventually led to the resignation of athletic director Dave Brandon.

"“If I look at it overall in spring ball, Shane would be ahead,” Harbaugh said following the team’s spring game in early April. “The competition will rage on, though, starting tomorrow.”"

Morris will have plenty of competition, however. Jake Rudock will join the race this fall as a graduate transfer from Iowa. Rudock was a two-year starter for the Hawkeyes and threw for 4,819 yards and 34 touchdowns before losing his job prior to C.J. Beathard the late last season.

Far from flashy, but a solid game manager, Rudock completed 61.7% of his passes for 2,436 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He was intercepted five times.

As Harbaugh mentioned, Morris has the edge because of his work this spring. That might be enough to win the job to start the season, but a two-quarterback rotation isn’t out of the question.

Former Houston quarterback John O’Korn also transferred to Michigan, but must sit out in 2015.

Projected Winner: Shane Morris

Next: Florida