45 in 45: No.1 Bo Wallace

Bo Wallace

Quarterback

Junior

6’4 209 Lbs.

Pulaski, Tenn.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) shakes a tackle by Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Garrison Smith (56) in the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Season: Who else would it conclude with? He’s the starting quarterback in a spread offense. When the list was announced, if you didn’t know who No.1 was going to be then you should’ve started reading awhile ago.

Wallace concluded his first season with the Rebels with the Conerly Trophy and a bowl victory. He won 7 games, more than the previous two seasons combined, and led the Rebs to their first bowl victory since Jevan Snead in 2010. The sophomore passed for 2994 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 390 yards and 8 touchdowns in 13 games, only 10 of which were healthy.

Value: Ole Miss can only go as far as Wallace takes them. It’s true. He makes some incredible plays between the run in Baton Rouge to the catch against Auburn. On the flip side, he threw 17 interceptions last season, predominately spawned by horrid decisions. If he can be Playmakin’ Bo, the Rebels will be playing in January. If he’s Whatthehellishethinking Bo, then the bowl plans might be a little sketchier.

The fact is that he has a huge arm and is not afraid to pull the trigger. He has an experienced line, loads of weapons, and an offense that understands the entire playbook this time around. Wallace is also one of the better read-option quarterbacks in the nation and can be dynamic on the ground. His playmaking with his feet is less about elite speed as it is about tenacity, orchestrated recklessness, and quality decision-making that leaves him with open space.

There have been runners like Jeremiah Masoli. There have been throwers like Eli Manning. There have even been some who could do a little of both like Romaro Miller. But there has not been a quarterback off All-American Drive who exhibited as good of a combination of running and throwing as Wallace since a man whose number lays upon traffic signs all throughout campus.