The SEC has been the dominant college football conference for the past seven years, and 2013 appears to be no different. Especially with 11 of the 14 schools bringing back starting QBs, including arguably the top two quarterbacks in the country, Texas A & M’s Johnny Manziel and Alabama’s AJ McCarron.

How do the two friends compare to one another?

In 2012, Manziel won the Heisman Trophy, as well as the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. However, it was McCarron carrying the crystal ball at the end of the season, winning his second straight national championship in as many tries, showing a lot of poise against Notre Dame as the Crimson Tide coasted to victory.

As far as playing styles go, Manziel is a playmaker who creates a lot of opportunities with his legs. Which is a good thing since Texas A&M is not as stacked with as much offensive talent as Alabama, so Manziel has to create more offense which helps him put up better overall fantasy football numbers.

Manziel’s stats last year were ridiculous. He finished first in the SEC in total offense with 393.5 ypg; first in rushing with 1,410 yards & 21 TDs, and third in passing with 285.1 ypg & 26-9 TD to interception ratio.

McCarron is not the runner that Manziel is, and he is also surrounded by some of the top playmakers in the country, so his individual numbers will never be as “impressive” as Manziel’s. But he did lead the country in pass efficiency (175.28) and had an outstanding 30-3 TD to interception ratio.

September 14, 2013 showdown

Perhaps this year’s biggest regular season contest currently on the college football schedule happens September 14^th, when Alabama travels to College Station to take on the Aggies.

It will be a great match-up between two of the best teams and quarterbacks in the country. Alabama is currently an 8.5 point favorite at 5Dimes. Manziel may win the individual statistical battle, but I’ll take McCarron and Bama to win the game.