BYU Staying Quiet On Who Will Start At Quarterback Against USU

PROVO, Utah – Who will start at quarterback this week for BYU? That question will remain unanswered likely until kickoff between the Cougars and rival Utah State this Saturday in Logan.

Redshirt freshmen Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney are competing in practices this week to be named the starter.

It’s the second consecutive game where there are suspense and buildup for who BYU will start at quarterback.

BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes isn’t showing his cards prior to kick.

No surprise. #BYU OC Jeff Grimes is holding off on announcing the starting QB for this weeks game against Utah State. @kslsports pic.twitter.com/stDGerdSmn

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 31, 2019

When asked who will be the starter this week during media availability, Grimes smiled and said, “and you already know the answer.” He then asked the reporter, “do you want to answer for me?” The reporter replied, “not ready to announce at this point.”

Grimes, “Would you (announce the starter) if you were in my shoes? But you have to ask I understand.”

The Cougars have lost the last two games versus Utah State and are looking to end that losing streak against the Aggies and bring home the Wagon Wheel Trophy this Saturday night. Whichever quarterback gets the nod will have a tough challenge in front of them as the Aggies have played well against BYU the past two years.

During this calendar year, Jaren Hall has seen a far greater number of first-team reps at quarterback compared to Baylor Romney. Romney’s first-team reps primarily came in the week leading up to the Boise State game two weeks ago. Also, it could be difficult to have Hall lose the starting nod after suffering a concussion that sidelined him two weeks ago.

Who should @BYUfootball start at quarterback against Utah State in Logan? @Spencer_Linton says Jaren Hall has proved himself as the guy to lead the Cougars. https://t.co/rItwZn75gn

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 30, 2019

Grimes was willing to go into a little more detail about what he is looking for from both Hall and Romney this week in practice.

“I think the same things we are always looking for (in our quarterbacks). A guy who number one, takes charge of the offense and has the kind of leadership and command – particularly going into a hostile environment – that you’d like to see,” said Grimes. “Then obviously a guy who can distribute the ball. Whether it’s in the passing game, run game, RPO, whatever. Both guys can do that.”

Hall and Romney’s teammates are confident that whoever ends up starting is going to perform well for this BYU offense.

“They’ve both been taking it like they are the starter,” said wide receiver Micah Simon. “I’m not sure who’s rolling out there Saturday night but they’ve both been practicing really well the past two weeks – with the bye week and this week – and looking forward to it. I’m ready to go with whoever steps out on the field.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.