Vanquish The Foe - QB Controversy: Riley Nelson and Taysom HillBYU sports. Messin' with Texas since 1987.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50093/vanquish-fav.png2012-11-29T21:02:18-08:00http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/rss/stream/32114152012-11-29T21:02:18-08:002012-11-29T21:02:18-08:00Journal of Discourses: Of Bronco and Riley
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lPKS4k8idBRXdYCzl-fTK6PvvsQ=/0x184:3136x2275/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4150531/20120908_lbm_ap3_019.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Thoughts on Bronco Mendenhall, Riley Nelson, and James Lark; their relationship; and the guiding principles of BYU football.</p> <p><i>Discourse by VTF writer Keith Harten, as compiled by editor Zach Bloxham</i></p>
<p>
<script src="//storify.com/zbloxham/journal-of-discourses-of-bronco-and-riley.js"></script></p>
<noscript>[&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="//storify.com/zbloxham/journal-of-discourses-of-bronco-and-riley" mce_href="//storify.com/zbloxham/journal-of-discourses-of-bronco-and-riley" target="_blank"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;View the story "Journal of Discourses: Of Bronco and Riley" on Storify&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;]</noscript>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/11/29/3709332/byu-quarterback-controversy-riley-nelson-bronco-mendenhallKeith Harten2012-10-15T13:53:51-07:002012-10-15T13:53:51-07:00Riley Nelson: Wanton Recklessness
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7BAxMeB33vEbm41nu7cMk24eZxQ=/0x844:4000x3511/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1439895/20120920_jla_sn7_114.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arm strength or back health are hardly Riley Nelson's biggest problems as a quarterback. It's responsibility with the football.</p> <p>Not every turnover is the quarterback's fault. Sometimes a receiver totally botches an easy reception and it results in an interception. Sometimes the center is not snapping the ball well.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76987/riley-nelson">Riley Nelson</a> has been the victim of this at times. But in many others, the gritty lefty has shown an almost wanton disregard for ball security. The man thinks he can save any play, regardless of how broken. Sometimes he gets lucky and the play works -- which only seems to embolden him to continue to be reckless.</p>
<p>The numbers in this regard are quite terrible. In 11 career starts, here are his numbers:</p>
<p>
</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p><b>OPP</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p><b>INTs</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>FUMBLES</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p><b>FUM LOST</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>SJSU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>OSU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>ISU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>TCU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>HAW</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>TULSA</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>WSU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>WSU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>UTAH</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>3*</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>BOISE</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p>OSU</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p><b>TOTALS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p><b>15</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>10</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
<p><b>4</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>*Utah fumbles amount does not even include two "tuck rule" plays where Nelson lost the ball but it was ruled an incomplete pass.</p>
<p>Over 11 starts, Nelson has thrown 15 interceptions and put the ball on the turf a total of 10 times, not including the two Utah tuck rule plays.</p>
<p>Yikes.</p>
<p>For a quarterback who gets by on grit, determination, and flowing hair, you'd think his number-one priority would be ball security. Nope. You saw his recklessness twice against Oregon State: once, on a seven-second rollout, instead of throwing the ball out of bounds when he ran out of room, he threw a jump ball directly to Oregon State defenders. He also tried to complete an option pitch to Jamaal Williams with a defender draped around him. Luckily Williams was able to recover.</p>
<p>I'm willing to concede that for some turnovers, blame can be given elsewhere. Like both times Nelson has been pick-sixed by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77812/jordan-poyer">Jordan Poyer</a>, for instance. In Corvallis, Nelson was asked to throw an out across the hashes to the sideline -- way too long of a throw for him to make. In Provo, he again threw a long sideline screen pass, underthrew it terribly, and it careened off <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112911/ross-apo">Ross Apo's</a> hands and pads as he dove for it.</p>
<p>In both those cases, the blame rests on Brandon Doman. He should not ask Nelson to make throws his is incapable of making.</p>
<p>But in many, many other instances, Nelson's turnovers have been a function of his inability to learn when to give up on a play and live for another down.</p>
<p>This, more than any of his other possible shortcomings, is where Riley Nelson goes from gritty game winner to circus-like game botcher.</p>
<p>I cannot figure out how any quarterback is allowed to continue playing so recklessly. Poor health is not the only thing that should keep a QB off the field.</p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2012/10/15/3508060/riley-nelson-stars-in-wanton-recklessnessBrett Hein2012-10-08T17:15:21-07:002012-10-08T17:15:21-07:00Hill out for year, Nelson takes starter reps
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VhvNPW7Gv0_oRjJq0V_Q_hUsC34=/4x0:3995x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/986519/20121005_pjc_ap3_529.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>BYU freshman quarterback Taysom Hill is out for the season with ligament damage to his left knee, Bronco Mendenhall announced after Monday practice.</p>
<p>Hill was injured in BYU's final non-kneel-down play from scrimmage in the win over Utah State, when he was tackled in the left leg with his foot planted. After much furor over how such a play could happen so late in the contest, it was apparently Hill who missed the call:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Taysom took his eyes away from the sideline after "clock is running" signal and missed "victory formation" signal, ran a play.</p>
— Robbie Bullough (@RobbieBullough) <a data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:10:33+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/RobbieBullough/status/255460202537697280">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3464976/taysom-hill-injury-byu"><i>Vanquish The Foe</i> first reported</a> medical evaluations were taking place on Hill's leg early Saturday afternoon. Later that night, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3466604/taysom-hill-leg-injury-riley-nelson-byu">BYU confirmed Hill's injury</a>, while <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76987/riley-nelson" class="sbn-auto-link">Riley Nelson</a> was reportedly already telling people he would start this week.</p>
<p>The news comes as the Cougars prepare to host the Oregon State Beavers. Sadly, the 10th-ranked team in the AP Poll will be <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buildingthedam.com/2012/10/8/3475422/sean-mannion-out-indefinitely">without its starter Sean Mannion</a>, who is also set for knee surgery.</p>
<p>But it looks BYU will get a hopefully-healthy Riley Nelson back for the game:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Riley Nelson took starter reps today in practice and Mendenhall expects him to be ready for Oregon State Saturday</p>
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJSportsBeat/status/255460583850258432" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:12:04+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Hopefully Nelson is ready to go and recovered enough from back injuries to be effective. As for Hill, a knee injury to a mobile quarterback can be a serious deal -- he's the man in 2013, so hopefully his recovery goes event-free.</p>
<p>Here are more notes from the post-game remarks:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>BYU football trainer Jeff Hurst confirms QB Taysom Hill will have surgery for a torn LCL "and some structures around that". Out 4-6 months.</p>
— Robbie Bullough (@RobbieBullough) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobbieBullough/status/255462701873111040" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:20:29+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bronco says surgery will be performed this week or next week; Riley Nelson starts v. Oregon State, James Lark backs up.</p>
— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) <a href="https://twitter.com/gregwrubell/status/255462667735674880" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:20:20+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Playcall was to take a knee. Coaches signaled to Hill that clock was winding down, he turned his head just as victory formation was signaled</p>
— Total Blue Sports (@TotalBlueSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TotalBlueSports/status/255462821494652928" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:20:57+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Coaches tried to get a timeout called, but it was too late</p>
— Total Blue Sports (@TotalBlueSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TotalBlueSports/status/255463008032153600" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:21:42+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Mendenhall says he and the coaches bear responsibility for the call and the inability to transfer the "victory formation" message in time.</p>
— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) <a href="https://twitter.com/gregwrubell/status/255463275255435264" data-datetime="2012-10-09T00:22:45+00:00">October 9, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/8/3476194/taysom-hill-leg-injury-surgery-ligament-damage-byuBrett Hein2012-10-07T11:51:41-07:002012-10-07T11:51:41-07:00The BYU QB Dumpster Fire Grows
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eIiumKNwi4xgGPXtv2w7HFm3Lnk=/194x0:3806x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/913823/20121005_pjc_ap3_481.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>BYU's handling of quarterbacks in the last three years has been a fiasco.</p> <p>The rumors that BYU starting quarterback Taysom Hill got seriously injured on his last run of the USU game are gaining steam. It appears that BYU's new strategy of encouraging BYU quarterbacks to "play in traffic" is, unsurprisingly, leading to QB's getting severely injured.</p>
<p>BYU's handling of quarterbacks over the last three years has been a train wreck.</p>
<p>It seems like it has been a series of unfortunate events and unfortunate choices that has led to the three year QB mess BYU has found itself in. Here are some of the events:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">2009 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12566/max-hall">Max Hall</a> graduates</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <span style="line-height: 9px;">2010 BYU has a QB controversy between wunderkind true freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112909/jake-heaps">Jake Heaps</a> and returned missionary junior transfer Riley Nelson. Rather than choose one QB in 2010, Bronco and the BYU coaching staff decide to make Heaps and Nelson "co-starters", splitting practice reps and even splitting playing time in games.</span> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">A few games into 2010 Nelson becomes roadkill after playing in traffic and is out for the season. Heaps starts the rest of the games and locks up the starting job.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">At the end of 2010 season offensive coordinator Robert Anae is fired and replaced by QB coach Brandon Doman</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <span style="line-height: 9px;">In the spring and summer of 2011 rumors spread about Heaps having a lot of distractions. Heaps still gets mostly positive reviews through spring and fall camps. Other rumors circulate that the BYU locker room is divided over who should be QB, with many players choosing between Heaps and Nelson.</span> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">2011 season starts and Heaps is less accurate and less confident than during his freshman year. No one knows if it is the new OC's system or something else.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">Heaps gets progressively worse through five games in 2011. After an atrocious start to the USU game Doman replaces Heaps with Nelson. Nelson leads BYU to an unlikely victory. A new starter is named.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">Nelson beats several bad teams and loses to TCU. Then gets hurt for a couple of games. Nelson heals up and takes back over as starter. Heaps decides to transfer at the end of 2011.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">Nelson is firmly entrenched as the QB and as a team leader through spring and summer of 2012. Nelson starts the 2012 season well but coaches have him play in traffic too much and he gets injured in the second game. Coaches decide to let Nelson play through pain and BYU loses two heart breakers in a row largely due to offensive mistakes.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 9px;">Freshman Taysom Hill gets the next two starts in part because he is a runner too. BYU has him play in traffic and he gets injured in his second game as starter.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<ul><br></ul>
<div>Lots of moving parts here. It is hard to pin the recent BYU QB dumpster fire on any one thing. Here are some contributing factors:</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Bronco not making a strong QB decision at the start of 2010 got things off on the wrong foot. </li>
<li>Then Bronco changing to a new OC added fuel to the fire</li>
<li>Heaps regressing from freshman to sophomore year made things worse</li>
<li>Bronco's obsession with grit made him naturally prefer Nelson</li>
<li>Bronco and Doman's decision to go all in on the "running qb" thing in 2012 has proven to injure the quarterbacks and hurt the team.</li>
</ol>
<div><b>Where to go from here?</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<p>BYU can't undo the past but it can stop making its quarterbacks play in traffic. In BYU's current QB-draw-heavy system, a quarterback can survive about two games before getting seriously injured. That is obviously unsustainable. Having a mobile quarterback is great; let him escape pressure and run if there is an opening. But stop using the QB as your primary running back! And for heaven's sake, require your QB to slide much more often. Allowing the QB to lower the shoulder and hit someone on occasion might fire up the sideline but getting injured ends seasons. Experienced quarterbacks are far too valuable to risk for an occasional extra yard or two.</p>
<p>While some fans are calling for Doman or Bronco to be fired, I am not there yet. I just want them to change. Fix this. Recognize that the current offensive plan to run the quarterback 10+ times per game has failed. Teach the quarterbacks to be assassins as passers and then they won't have to run all that often.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Sadly, this revelation that the offensive scheme relying heavily on QB running is not going</span> to work comes just as BYU is going to face two top ten opponents. BYU's defense is exceptionally good this year, which helps a ton. But Doman and the rest of the offense have an extremely hard row to hoe over the next three games. The main hope is that Nelson really is healthy enough to pass well, and that he is wise enough to avoid a career ending injury in the process.</p>
</div>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/7/3469296/the-byu-qb-dumpster-fire-growsGeoff Johnston2012-10-06T17:47:41-07:002012-10-06T17:47:41-07:00BYU confirms Hill injury; Nelson says he'll start
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uqMgHvlZk9Kmd8MUhlL65VO21NE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828281/large_vanquishthefoe.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Six hours after <i>Vanquish The Foe</i> <a href="http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3464976/taysom-hill-injury-byu/in/3211415" target="_blank"><u>first reported</u></a> the evaluation of a possibly-serious leg injury to BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, BYU has confirmed his injury:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>From BYU football SID Brett Pyne: "Taysom [Hill} suffered a knee injury in Friday's game."</p>
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewjay/status/254726895462141952" data-datetime="2012-10-06T23:36:39+00:00">October 6, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>More Pyne: "The extent of his injury and related status is currently being evaluated. Any updates will be provided Monday." <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23BYU">#BYU</a></p>
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewjay/status/254727102476189698" data-datetime="2012-10-06T23:37:28+00:00">October 6, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>By simple math, BYU could have run the clock below 20 seconds before 4th down by kneeling the ball three times, but on first down, a quarterback draw was called.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Jay Drew is also reporting a follow-up of sorts to what we heard from Bronco Mendenhall after the game. Coach Mendenhall said that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76987/riley-nelson" class="sbn-auto-link">Riley Nelson</a> was "really close" to playing against Utah State. Drew tweeted this:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Apparently, Riley Nelson has told several people at LDS Conference priesthood session tonight that he will definitely start on Sat. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23BYU">#BYU</a></p>
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewjay/status/254729666328408065" data-datetime="2012-10-06T23:47:39+00:00">October 6, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>So, it looks like we'll be waiting until Monday's standard press conference for any official word. In the mean time, I'll be over here popping antacids like Saul Bloom.</p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3466604/taysom-hill-leg-injury-riley-nelson-byuBrett Hein2012-10-06T11:19:52-07:002012-10-06T11:19:52-07:00Taysom Hill having X-rays
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/txbPwSw41qnSthxiO_vRLbLdQ0w=/194x0:3806x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/826335/20121005_pjc_ap3_481.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The dynamic freshman quarterback may be seriously injured after BYU's win over Utah State.</p> <p>As BYU was putting the finishing touches on a 6-3 win over Utah State on Friday, quarterback Taysom Hill ran a four-yard draw. It was BYU's final play before opting to kneel the ball and run out the clock. <i>Vanquish The Foe</i> has learned that Taysom Hill is being X-rayed for possible leg injuries following that play.</p>
<p>A problem was noticeable after the play:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r9kTTon7iHM" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Hill has thrown 42-71 (59%) for 425 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the season, and took over the offense in the third quarter three games ago in Boise. He has also posted 336 yards and 4 more touchdowns on the ground.</p>
<p>The possibility of a serious leg injury on a final, meaningless play certainly brings back memories of Luke Staley. The 2001 Doak Walker Award winner broke his leg on the final offensive play of BYU's 12th game that year while the Cougars were setting up a game-winning field goal. BYU would go on to lose its final two games without him.</p>
<p>Needless to say, the quarterback conundrum at BYU takes on even more intrigue, as the possibility of Hill now missing time becomes a reality. James Lark, come on down?</p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3464976/taysom-hill-injury-byuBrett Hein2012-10-06T08:57:20-07:002012-10-06T08:57:20-07:00Bronco keeps fanning flames of QB question
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uqMgHvlZk9Kmd8MUhlL65VO21NE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828281/large_vanquishthefoe.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After a game in which Taysom Hill threw 24-36 for 235 yards and rushed for another 80 yards, Bronco Mendenhall stuck to his guns of loyalty to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76987/riley-nelson">Riley Nelson</a> in the post-game of the win over Utah State:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bronco says its his plan to start Riley against Oregon State.</p>
— Zach Bloxham(@zbloxham) <a data-datetime="2012-10-06T06:58:17+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/zbloxham/status/254475650101039104">October 6, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Whether he is serious, or simply showing outward loyalty to Nelson out of respect ... well, we're still waiting to find out.</p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2012/10/6/3464512/byu-quarterback-controversy-taysom-hill-riley-nelsonBrett Hein2012-10-03T11:11:21-07:002012-10-03T11:11:21-07:00What if Riley Nelson never came to BYU?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TJPMUxNkaKbvn7bH1CYP0ayz4cc=/0x120:2666x1897/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/517287/20120928_jla_ai4_308.1349282421.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Riley Nelson didn't start his career at BYU. What if that hadn't changed?</p> <p>Charismatic leader <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76987/riley-nelson" class="sbn-auto-link">Riley Nelson</a> has been in the middle of a quarterback controversy for a third-straight season at BYU. But his college career didn't start in Provo.</p>
<p>In 2006, the lion-maned Nelson was a true freshman at Utah State. The local boy -- who put up big combined numbers with his arm and his feet at Logan High School -- made his debut at Utah State in sixth game of that season. With his team at 0-5, he would throw 9-19 for 120 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions his first college start. He led the Aggies on a last-minutes touchdown drive to claim a 13-12 victory over Fresno State in what would be the Aggies' only win of the year.</p>
<p>While departed on a two-year mission to Barcelona, Spain, Nelson decided he would play at BYU upon his return. His defection ended up the cause for a new NCAA recruiting rule forbidding coaches from contacting players who are serving missions.</p>
<p>As a sophomore in 2009, he saw time in mop-up duty behind senior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12566/max-hall" class="sbn-auto-link">Max Hall</a>, which mostly consisted of QB draws. He was given the backup role by senior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12553/brenden-gaskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Brenden Gaskins</a>, who acquiesced his birthright to allow the young Nelson more reps in preparation for the future.</p>
<p>But before the 2009 season began, BYU had landed <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112909/jake-heaps" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Heaps</a>, who some scouting services pegged as the #1 quarterback of the 2010 class. Heaps was set to be ZOMG BEST EVAR quarterback to set foot on the grass at LaVell Edwards Stadium.</p>
<p>A split-duty quarterback plan between Heaps and Nelson was employed in 2010, but just games into the campaign, Nelson was sidelined with a shoulder surgery. The young Heaps QB'd the Cougars within inches of a win at rival Utah, and to a bowl win. With the subpar Nelson out of the way, the time was now for the QB of the future.</p>
<p>Until it wasn't. Heaps seemed to have made no progress in the mental aspects of the position in 2011, and Nelson re-emerged to save BYU from a second-straight loss to Utah State. Heaps would still see time, as the oft-injured Nelson would suffer cracked ribs during the season. But Nelson led BYU to a bowl win over Tulsa, and Heaps transferred to Kansas.</p>
<p>So now it's Nelson's team ... except it isn't. More injuries and poor play (how well those two are connected is at least somewhat unknown) have led to Nelson sitting out while a new true freshman Taysom Hill runs the show.</p>
<p>It was against that backdrop that Jeremy, BYU tailgating connoisseur, asked the following:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Attention BYU bloggers I want to read the piece "What if Riley never came to BYU?" So make that happen</p>
— Jeremy Salmon (@KingRanch51) <a data-datetime="2012-10-03T01:33:03+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/KingRanch51/status/253306639027949568">October 3, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>To the batmobile!</p>
<p>For starters, the evil BYU coaches would still be contacting players from other schools serving missions, using the evil network of mission presidents, stake presidents, and parents to steal players in re-recruitments. BYU's evil empire grows.</p>
<h5>UTAH STATE</h5>
<p>At Utah State, Nelson returns in 2009 and tutors under junior Diondre Borel. In 2010, with the senior Borel struggling to complete 50% of his passes and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Nelson gets the call in game 8. Borel has taken the Aggies as far as he can, and after a 7-23 for 99 yards and 2 INT performance in a 45-7 home loss to Hawaii, Borel is benched.</p>
<p>Nelson, gritty and charismatic as he is, leads Utah State into Reno and the Aggies defeat #24 Nevada 57-56. Utah State finishes 2010 at 5-7.</p>
<p>In 2011, the Aggies come to Provo and win for a second-straight time over BYU behind a powerful rushing attack. Utah State posts 300 rushing yards and wins 24-13, as Riley Nelson isn't there to save BYU's impotent offense.</p>
<p>Nelson's grit and leadership puts the Aggies on the right side of luck at every chance. Having defeated Auburn in the season opener, Utah State finishes the year 11-2 and is the toast of the West.</p>
<p>Gary Andersen changes phone numbers three times to manage the barrage of communication from athletic directors around the country, but is eventually hired at Arizona State to replace the finally-fired Dennis Erickson. Once there, he ends up having to punch out Todd Graham, who Andersen finds sitting in the coach's office upon his arrival.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/137583/chuckie-keeton" class="sbn-auto-link">Chuckie Keeton</a> de-commits from Utah State (THE HORROR) and instead goes to Nevada. Replacing Colin Kaepernick as a freshman under Chris Ault, Keeton pilots the pistol attack and his Wolf Pack to a 9-3 record in 2011. In 2012, Nevada goes 12-0 as Keeton is quickly on his way to becoming the all-time NCAA leader in combined passing and rushing yards. Nevada loses to Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl because ... Bill Snyder, that's why. Nevada is invited to the Big East for football only and can't hardly accept fast enough.</p>
<h5>BYU</h5>
<p>As for what happens to BYU ... that's a little more tricky.</p>
<p>Brenden Gaskins ends his BYU career with a touchdown pass to McKay Jacobsen in the fourth quarter of a 52-0 win at Wyoming in 2009, and rides off into the sunset for his future as a regional leader in home security-system sales.</p>
<p>All the eggs are in the Jake Heaps basket in 2010. This means he gets all the starter's reps from the word go. What does he do with them?</p>
<p> </p>
<h5><b>ALT 1</b></h5>
<p> </p>
<p>Heaps, thrust into the fire, realizes the weight of the situation. He works as hard as ever to improve athletically and to study film. The 2010 Cougars still finish 7-6, but growing pains are taken care of in one season. In 2011, with wins over Texas and Utah, the 8-0 Cougars stumble to TCU -- Dick Bumpas, y'all -- and finish 12-1 on the cusp of greatness. Todd McShay and Mel Kiper can barely contain themselves from breaking into dorm rooms to meet <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112911/ross-apo" class="sbn-auto-link">Ross Apo</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76974/cody-hoffman" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Hoffman</a>.</p>
<p>The 2012 Cougars start 7-0, and carry a #13 ranking into South Bend to face #6 Notre Dame. Jake Heaps football career is ended, however, when he unwittingly steps into the crosshairs of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o" class="sbn-auto-link">Manti Te'o</a> during a quarterback scramble.</p>
<p>The gray-haired true freshman Taysom Hill is unable to salvage that game, but leads BYU to an 11-2 finish with a Poinsettia Bowl victory over San Diego State.</p>
<p> </p>
<h5><b>ALT 2</b></h5>
<p> </p>
<p>Thrust into the fire from day one, the pressure eventually becomes too much for Heaps. After a 7-6 record in 2010, he gets married, neglects offseason workouts, and alienates his teammates, who are too "mature" to play hard regardless of circumstance. With the offense sputtering, Brandon Doman finally inserts James Lark at quarterback after a 2-4 start and two terrible home losses to Utah State and San Jose State. Lark salvages wins over Idaho State and WAC fodder for a 6-6 record -- but fares very well in the Armed Forces Bowl, leading BYU to a 35-21 win over Tulsa.</p>
<p>Lark assumes his role as senior starter in 2012, and effectively implements a heavy passing attack in a 41-6 opening-week win over Washington State. BYU fans get a nice look at the future in week two, when Taysom Hill plays the entire second half in a 45-13 win over Weber State.</p>
<p>Equipped with a veteran QB who doesn't have a broken back, BYU avenges a loss to Utah, then hands Boise State a 13-3 loss on its home field. The Cougars ride into South Bend at 7-0 and ranked #13 to face undefeated #6 Notre Dame. The newly-established rivalry draws millions of viewers, and Notre Dame never fathoms dropping the game off its schedule to accommodate its pseudo-ACC membership.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, James Lark's football career is ended when he unwittingly steps into the crosshairs of Manti Te'o during a quarterback scramble. The gray-haired true freshman Taysom Hill is unable to salvage that game, but leads BYU to an 11-2 finish with a Poinsettia Bowl victory over San Diego State.</p>
<p>* * * * * * *</p>
<p>Is that how it would have happened? Leave your alternate realities in the comments below.</p>
https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2012/10/3/3449464/byu-football-quarterback-riley-nelson-what-ifBrett Hein