Anthony Colandrea ranks ninth in USA TODAY Sports' QB rankings

USA TODAY Sports released rankings of all Big Ten quarterbacks on Monday, addressing how Big Ten quarterback play could decide whether the conference can capture a fourth-straight national title. Anthony Colandrea just made the top half of the rankings, placing ninth.

The UNLV transfer enters the season with high expectations, following the departure of Dylan Raiola. The Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year totaled 3,459 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging nearly 250 passing yards per game last season. Raiola, in two seasons, totaled 4,819 passing yards for 31 touchdowns in 22 games. In his three seasons before Nebraska, Colandrea threw for 7,542 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Paul Myerberg emphasized Colandrea's improvisational skills and running ability in his ranking breakdown. Though Raiola kept plays alive in the pocket at Nebraska, he only finished with positive rushing yards in six of his 22 games played. Colandrea ran for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and 1,151 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career.

In the rankings, five quarterbacks that Nebraska faces this season are ahead of Colandrea: Ohio State's Julian Sayin (No. 1), Oregon's Dante Moore (No. 2), Washington's Demond Williams Jr. (No. 3), Indiana's Josh Hoover (No. 4) and Penn State's Rocco Becht (No. 7).

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Anthony Colandrea ranks ninth in USA TODAY Sports' QB rankings