8. Nick Fitzgerald – Mississippi State
Nick Fitzgerald was supposed to have a tremendous 2018 season, leading the Bulldogs back to heights they last saw in 2014 when they rose all the way to No. 1 in the polls. He got off to a poor start by being suspended for the season opening route of Stephen F. Austin.
Although Mississippi State would end up winning 31-10, Fitzgerald hardly looked good throwing the ball. He finished 11-for-27 with 154 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Part of Fitzgerald’s game is his dynamic running. He led all SEC quarterbacks with 984 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2017, and ran all over the Wildcats, totaling 159 yards on 19 carries.
However, good defenses will load up to stop the run, and Fitzgerald will have to prove he can beat teams with his arm.