Statistics suggest that Pat Mahomes is as good as Trevone Boykin

On Saturday, Jones Stadium will host a shootout between the two best quarterbacks in the Big 12, as Texas Tech sophomore Pat Mahomes and TCU senior Trevone Boykin will be the focal point of the game, because both schools have suspect defenses. Whichever quarterback plays the best will likely come away from the Big 12 opener with a victory and another year’s worth of bragging rights.

Thus,t the question that must be addressed is; which quarterback is the better player? On the surface this question seems to be unnecessary. Boykin is a Heisman Trophy candidate coming off of an amazing 2014 season in which his team won 12 games and finished in the top five in the national polls.

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Meanwhile, Mahomes has started only seven games in his young career and is yet to accomplish what Boykin has. However, Mahomes is quickly gaining respect around the nation for his stellar play in 2015. His performance against Arkansas on national television boosted his profile and another great performance on national television this weekend could vault him into the upper echelon of college quarterbacks.

First of all, let us review the first seven starts of each quarterback’s career because that is how many games Mahomes has played in his career.

As a freshman, Boykin was used not only at quarterback, but also as a running back and receiver. When TCU starting quarterback Casey Pachall was suspended, Boykin started nine games as a redshirt freshman.

Meanwhile, Mahomes replaced starter Davis Webb late last season following an injury to Webb’s shoulder, and as a result, starting in four games. During spring ball and fall camp, Mahomes won the starting job and has not looked back.

Comparing the numbers of each quarterback’s first seven starts reveals a startling contrast.

Boykin was 128 of 225 passing for a completion percentage of 56.8 percent. He totaled 1,549 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, with an overall quarterback rating at an unimpressive 36.9 percent. Keep in mind that while Boykin was a redshirt freshman (meaning he had a year of experience in the TCU offense) he had not been exclusively practicing as a quarterback.

Now, look at Mahomes’ stats over his first seven starts. He is 182 of 301 passing, which is good for a 60.4 completion percentage. The native of Whitehouse, TX has thrown for 2,576-yards (1,027 more than Boykin), 25 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, with an overall quarterback rating a sterling 156.2 percent.

The statistics reveal that Mahomes has had a much more impressive start to his career than did Boykin. Is this to suggest that Mahomes is better than Boykin? Not exactly, but this year’s statistics suggest that he has been just as productive.

Through three games, Mahomes has passed for 44 more yards than Boykin, accounted for one more touchdown (13 to 12) and has a comparable quarterback rating of 161.3 to Boykin’s 176.5 percent. Mahomes has thrown one more interception, but he’s also attempted 14 more passes.

Any way the numbers are interpreted, it must be acknowledged that Mahomes has been just as good as Boykin this season. But just because their numbers are similar, does not mean that they are the same style of player.

The major difference between the two players is how they utilize their legs. One looks to use his blazing speed to make huge plays on the ground while the other uses his mobility in the pocket to extend plays and find open receivers downfield.

In 2015, Boykin has rushed 11 more times than Mahomes. Boykin still has the instincts of a receiver or running back, and he often takes off when his first and second reads are not available.

Meanwhile, Mahomes has said that running the ball is his last option. Much like Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo, Mahomes is shifty in the pocket, avoiding the pass rush and allowing his receivers to work their way open for big plays.

Mahomes can make plays with his legs as he did on numerous occasions against Arkansas to keep drives alive. But Mahomes wants to stay in the pocket, while Boykin is much more likely to bolt at the first sign of trouble.

Both styles can cause trouble for the defense. Boykin can gain huge chunks of yards by running, because most of the downfield defenders have their backs turned to the play while covering receivers.

On the other hand, Mahomes can extend a play for five to seven seconds making it virtually impossible for the defensive backs to maintain coverage on Tech’s receivers. As Mahomes buys time in the pocket, quick receivers like Jakeem Grant or Devin Lauderdale are certain to break open allowing Mahomes to hit them downfield.

Trevone Boykin is one of the most talked about players in the nation and rightfully so. However, the statistics suggest that thus far in 2015, Mahomes has been every bit Boykin’s equal. The difference is that while Boykin has a full season of success on his resume, Mahomes is still making his name.

But when the Red Raiders and the Horned Frogs square off this Saturday, neither team will have a decided advantage at quarterback. Mahomes is capable of outplaying Boykin and vice versa. But one of these players is likely to make a mistake or two, and that could be the turning point of the game.

Next: ESPN's Max Olson Trolls Bielema In Texas Tech's Win Over Arkansas