College Football QB Power Rankings: Arch Manning replaces Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck plummets after close call

The College Football QB Power Rankings aren't only about statistics and great performances. They're also about commanding the attention of college football's collective consciousness. They're about inspiring ludicrous takes that don't make any sense but also make a little sense. Like this, for example:

Quinn Ewers was No. 1 in these very rankings last week following a huge win against Michigan on the road. But, you know what? The most important ability is availability, and right now, Ewers isn't available. And if you aren't playing, I'm not ranking you.

Luckily for Texas, and me, the Longhorns have a ready-made backup in Arch Manning. That's right, not only is Manning filling in for Quinn on the field, but he's filling in for him here, too. It was only two quarters against UTSA, but it was an extremely impressive two quarters. 

Plus, thinking of all the people who will get angry when they see these rankings shared on social media without context amuses me greatly. That matters, too.

As for the other rules we follow around here, a quick referesher:

• This is not a draft board ranking, nor is it based on any kind of statistical formula. Your numbers matter, sure, but overall, I'm ranking quarterbacks based on the "juice" they have at the current moment in time. It's a combination of how well you're playing, what you have accomplished and what you might accomplish in the near future. If you believe a QB I haven't listed should be listed, I only kept them off the list because I don't like you. Or, perhaps it's this second part. 
• I don't rank any QB the week after a loss. You could be the greatest QB of all time, but if you lose on Saturday, you won't be here. I don't care if you think your offensive line stinks, OK? That's the burden the QB must carry. If you win, it's because your teammates did their jobs. If you lose, it's on you. Embrace it.
  

Let's go.

QB Power Rankings

1	Arch Manning Texas Longhorns QB
It was a tough day for the Manning haters who claimed he was only a five-star prospect due to his name. Manning finished with 276 total yards and four touchdowns against UTSA in relief of Ewers. Given Texas' upcoming schedule, the odds are that Manning will keep posting big numbers while he's there. (Last Week: Not Ranked)
2	Jalen Milroe Alabama Crimson Tide QB
It's starting to feel like Milroe and Kalen DeBoer are figuring one another out, doesn't it? Milroe tore Wisconsin apart at Camp Randall last week. He threw for 196 yards, rushed for 75 and accounted for five touchdowns. The Crimson Tide have this weekend off, and then it's a huge showdown against Georgia. (LW: 4)
3	Cam Ward Miami (FL) Hurricanes QB
It was another big day for Cam Ward and the Hurricanes. Ward threw for 346 yards and five touchdowns in a 62-0 win over Ball State, and he's now up to 1,035 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. This week, Ward gets the South Florida squad that caused some problems for Milroe and the Tide. (LW: 3)
4	Nico Iamaleava Tennessee Volunteers QB
What Tennessee did to Kent State last week was inhumane. It was awesome, but inhumane all the same. However, the cruelest part of Tennessee's 71-0 win is that it didn't let Nico pad his stats. He only threw for one touchdown in the game, and the Volunteers handed the ball off early and often. That's not how we win the Heisman Trophy, Josh Heupel! (LW: 5)
5	Jaxson Dart Ole Miss Rebels QB
The Rebels played their first road game and their first game against a Power Four opponent last week, but not a whole lot changed. What's crazy is that Dart had more incompletions against Wake Forest (eight) than in the first two games combined (seven). He still finished with 412 total yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per attempt. (LW: 6)
6	Eli Holstein Pittsburgh Panthers QB
Where did this come from? I don't know many people with high expectations for Holstein coming into the year, but he led Pitt back from a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit for the second straight week as the Panthers beat West Virginia 38-34. Holstein ranks ninth nationally in yards per game and is tied for fourth with nine passing touchdowns. (LW: NR)
7	Kurtis Rourke Indiana Hoosiers QB
Indiana has been one of the most dominant teams in the country through three games, and Rourke is a big reason why. The Ohio transfer hasn't needed an adjustment period and played damn near perfect football. He threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns in Indiana's 42-13 dismantling of UCLA in the Rose Bowl. (LW: NR)
8	Carson Beck Georgia Bulldogs QB
I considered removing Beck from the rankings entirely after a poor performance against Kentucky. Beck completed only 15 of his 24 passes for 178 yards, and it wasn't a case of his receivers dropping balls. He simply made bad throws. In the end, this drop feels like punishment enough because he did tear Clemson to shreds a few weeks ago, too. (LW: 2)
9	Dillon Gabriel Oregon Ducks QB
Gabriel makes his return to the QB Power Rankings now that Oregon finally looks like Oregon. Gabriel threw for 291 yards and rushed for 64 with three touchdowns as the Ducks smoked rival Oregon State 49-14. Those are the kind of performances you expect from the guy favored to win the Heisman in the preseason. (LW: NR)
10	John Mateer Washington State Cougars QB
I challenge you to watch Mateer play and not fall in love with him. He is the epitome of the Fun College QB. He's more moxie than ability, but make no mistake, he has plenty of ability! He has no concern for his safety; he repeatedly throws himself into defenders hoping to get an extra yard, and yes, he sometimes makes ludicrous decisions. Still, it's all part of an incredible recipe. Mateer accounted for 307 yards and three touchdowns, leading Washington State to a 24-19 Apple Cup victory over Washington. (LW: NR)

Honorable Mention: Joey Aguilar, Appalachian State; Drew Allar, Penn State; Miller Moss, USC; Garrett Nussmeier, LSU; Tyler Shough, Louisville