Marcus Stokes Climbs in CBS Sports QB Power Rankings
In the latest update of CBS Sports’ College Football QB Power Rankings, Marcus Stokes has made a notable leap, moving from No. 40 to No. 39 after week 4. This rise comes despite the Memphis Tigers not playing a game last week, showcasing Stokes' solid performance in the previous matches that caught the attention of analysts.
Stokes, who transferred to Memphis from Division 2 West Florida, has been in a competitive quarterback battle with South Carolina transfer Air Noland. Head coach Charles Huff kept the starting quarterback decision under wraps until the season opener, adding to the intrigue surrounding Stokes' role. Throughout the first four games of the season, Stokes has demonstrated his capabilities, amassing 1,053 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions on 98 attempts. His performance places him at No. 26 nationally for passing yards, No. 22 for touchdowns, and No. 17 for quarterback rating with an 83.5 rating.
After a clean game against UNLV, Stokes faced some challenges, throwing two interceptions against Arkansas State and one against Boise State. These turnovers raised concerns about his consistency, but he quickly quelled those fears in his most recent outing against UT Martin. In that game, Stokes threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns without any interceptions, showcasing his ability to bounce back and perform under pressure. He notably threw three touchdowns in the first half, demonstrating his potential to lead the Tigers effectively.
When the Noise Dies Down
As the season progresses, Stokes will face tougher challenges in conference play, especially as opposing teams gather more film on him. However, his current ranking as the top quarterback from the American conference and fifth overall among Group of Six quarterbacks indicates that he is making a significant impact. Notably, he ranks behind only Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson, Toledo’s John Alan Richter, App. State’s Malachi Singleton, and UMass’ William “Pop” Watson. Former Tiger quarterback JC French IV also ranks ahead of him at No. 30.
Stokes will have an opportunity to further improve his standing when the Tigers face Charlotte in their first conference game. However, the weather forecast poses a challenge, as rain is expected during the game, which could affect Memphis' offensive strategy. The kickoff has been moved from 2:30 p.m. CT to 10 a.m. CT due to anticipated inclement weather. How Stokes adapts to these conditions will be crucial in determining his continued ascent in the rankings and the overall success of the Tigers this season.
