Jaren Hall Earned Spot Long Ago; Should Start Against Utah State

PROVO, Utah – BYU’s third-string quarterback, Baylor Romney, may have led the Cougars to a win over ranked Boise State, but now that Jaren Hall is healthy, you want to give the ball to the best player.

It’s the question of the week for BYU Football. Wait, make that the last two weeks. “Who should start at quarterback for the Cougars at Utah State coming off BYU’s second bye week?” Will it be Jaren Hall, cleared from concussion protocol, or will it be Baylor Romney, fresh off his first start in a stunning win over ranked Boise State? Kalani Sitake referenced an on-going quarterback competition in his comments to the media early this week and then stated the obvious.

“Whoever gives (BYU) the best chance to win,” he said.

Whoever can win in Logan, reclaim the Old Wagon Wheel, and snap a two-game losing streak to the Aggies. That’s who will start.

Opinions from analysts, fans, and general football viewers about which BYU signal caller to start are mixed to say the least.

In a Monday Twitter poll, receiving 1,130 votes, 59 percent said Jaren Hall is the guy. Another 41 percent favored Baylor Romney.

I'm glad I don't have to make this decision.

Results from yesterday's poll on which @BYUFootball quarterback YOU would start at Utah State. Over 1,100 votes.#BYU #BYUSN pic.twitter.com/h98tTV80SL

— Spencer Linton (@Spencer_Linton) October 29, 2019

Former BYU legend, NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young said he’d go with Romney because of his ability to execute plays the coaches call and “not disappoint you.”

Hard to argue with a legend, but that’s essentially what I will do here. This is the case for Jaren Hall to start at Utah State.

Hall not to blame for South Florida loss

Jaren Hall left his only start at South Florida with the lead. Before his concussion, the redshirt freshman put BYU in a position to win a road game in his first start.

He didn’t turn the ball over and helped BYU build a double digit lead. Hall was 15-23 for 148 yards with a touchdown pass in Tampa. He was also the Cougars’ leading rusher with 83 yards on 16 carries.

Before going down, Hall orchestrated a 5-play, 70-yard drive of less than two minutes, where he had runs of  32 yards and 29-yards, the latter for a touchdown.

Hall delivered EXACTLY the kind of excitement BYU fans have been hungry for.

Remember the missed field goal and the decision to go for it on 4th and 7 from the South Florida 10 yard line? Either make the field goal or attempt the kick, and that 4th and 18 on BYU’s last possession is another kick. BYU wins the game.

That’s not what happened, but it wasn’t because of Hall.

More importantly, you can’t blame Hall for the inability of BYU’s defense to stop the run against a lackluster USF run offense that ran wild in the second half. South Florida had 243 rushing yards against the Cougars.

If (and I know it’s a BIG if) BYU’s defense had slowed the run and won in Tampa, then Hall as the starter in Logan would seem like a no-brainer.

He’s the better quarterback

Hall won the back-up job long ago, after thousands of reps and a highly contested competition through spring ball and fall camp.

While Romney was spectacular in his lone start, Hall proved himself over the last year.

In spring ball (late March/early April), it was Jaren Hall being tabbed as the clear and exciting Number 2 for the Cougars and the star of the Spring game.

What has changed since then? One game?

Dropping Hall down the depth chart based on his concussion, followed by a great TEAM win over Boise State would seem like a knee-jerk reaction.

More adaptable

He’s a viable running threat. Hall’s athleticism and ability to run automatically make him more of a weapon for the Cougars against the Aggies.

It opens up the playbook for a few more wrinkles. For years, it’s been Utah State enjoying quarterbacks extending plays and making things happen with their feet.

The Cougars now have that option with Hall behind center, compared to the more traditional Baylor Romney quarterback style.

Coaching changes were biggest difference

The play-calling, scheme, and preparation are notably different for BYU since that deflating loss in Florida. Responsibilities within the coaching staff have shifted and that made an immediate impact on the field against Boise State.

If Jaren Hall had started against the Broncos, and been asked to execute the same game plan as Baylor Romney, I think the Cougars win that game, too.

Bottom line, this BYU staff can win with Hall or Romney as the starter.

Either guy is capable of going to Logan and winning, but I believe Hall’s running ability, combined with a revamped Kalani Sitake-led defense, and reinvigorated team and staff makes Hall the better option for Saturday night’s game at Maverik Stadium.

All that said, I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision.

What do you think?

Take a look at Mitch Harper’s argument for starting Baylor Romney against Utah State, then vote in our Facebook and Twitter polls.

Who should @BYUFootball start at quarterback against Utah State?

📷: Deseret News

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2019