Hyundai Sun Bowl Quarterback Comparison: Logan Thomas Vs. Brett Hundley
Dec 31, 2012; El Paso, TX, USA; A general view of the Sun Bowl logo on the field before the game between the Southern California Trojans and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Two quarterbacks will try to lead their teams to victory in the 84th Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve. This quarterback battle will have UCLA putting up their dual-threat, Brett Hundley, against Virginia Tech’s large field general, Logan Thomas.
Hundley is trying to get that 10th win of the season for UCLA and prove they can finish the season strong, especially after a 49-26 beatdown by Baylor in last year’s Holiday Bowl. Thomas is playing in his final game as a Hokie and looks to end a mediocre season on a high note. Both QBs will face tough defenses, styles neither has seen before. So how will they perform? We will find out Tuesday morning, but until then, let us look at the statistics:
Logan Thomas
Nov 9, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) drops back to pass in the first quarter of a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
HT: 6’6″, WT: 254lbs.
Class: Redshirt Senior
Total Passing Yards: 2861, Per Game: 238.4, Comp. %: 57.3, TDs: 16, INTs: 13
Total Rushing Yards: 295, Per Game: 24.6, Yards Per Carry: 1.6, TDs: 4
Good Read About Thomas: Fansided’s With The First Pick
Advantages:
-Height: allows him to look over the line of scrimmage at the opposing defenses
-Smarts: allows him to scramble out of sticky, back-field situations
-Experience: he has been leading VT for the past three season
The Defense He Faces: UCLA’s defense is quick, it is fierce and it is in your face. According to NCAAFootball.com, UCLA has the 55th best defense in terms of yards allowed per game (392.8). Thomas’ offensive line will have a handful with guys like Ellis McCarthy and Cassius Marsh, but more importantly, Thomas needs to be aware of the spectacular linebackers the Bruins have, specifically Anthony Barr. UCLA may not have the numbers to prove how good they are, but if they end up getting to Thomas and hitting him, stats will be the last thing he cares about.
Brett Hundley
Oct 12, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the California Golden Bears during the Bruins 37-10 win at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
HT: 6’3″, WT: 222lbs.
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Total Passing Yards: 2845, Per Game: 237.1, Comp. %: 67.8, TDs: 22, INTs: 9
Total Rushing Yards: 587, Per Game: 48.9, Yards Per Carry: 3.9, TDs: 9
Good Read About Hundley: Fansided’s NFL
Advantages:
-Speed: he leads the Bruin’s in rushing yards
-Decision Making: has improved since the beginning of the season, was great against USC
-Arm: he can send a ball flying downfield at any moment, with decent accuracy
The Defense He Faces: The VT defense is one of the toughest in the nation (stat-wise, per NCAAFootball.com). They only allow 269.6 yards per game and only give up 17.4 points per game. The Hokies have 3 second-team and 3 third-team All-ACC defensive players. The Hokies have been getting to opposing QB pretty consistently as they are one of the best teams in the country with 3.08 sacks per game. Although, injuries have been an issue and VT will be without two starting cornerbacks, Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum.
Analysis: Hundley appears to be the better all around quarterback. He has lead his team to nine wins in the last two seasons playing in the toughest conference in the country.Thomas is a good quarterback that could led his team to victory, but I believe it is the UCLA defense that will be more successful in shutting down the opposing QB. With that, there is definitely a UCLA victory Bruin
Mike W.R.
Twitter: @TheBigDisco