The Hive Sports

by Jordan D. karpowitz

Over the past few weeks, questions have swirled around the BYU football program following the departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff. BYU has gone from being a heavy favorite to a dark horse in the race for the Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. BYU now faces uncertainty under center—and with it, uncertainty about its future.

As of Aug. 12, BYU is in the middle of a two-way quarterback battle featuring true freshman Bear Bachmeier (a transfer from Stanford) and second-year McCae Hillstead. After practice today, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told reporters that Treyson Bourguet is no longer in the running for the starting spot. So far, neither head coach Kalani Sitake nor Roderick has named a starter. Sitake calls it a “good problem” to have, praising the competitive nature of his young quarterbacks. Roderick has also noted that both are playing well, giving particular credit to Bachmeier for learning the offense quickly despite arriving only months ago.

If the competition is truly this tight, my view is to start the freshman. Let him learn on the job and grow.

While the offense sorts out its leader, the defense under coordinator Jay Hill has wasted no time making the most of every moment. Hill’s group looks faster, more aggressive and more adaptable than last season, with a clear mission to be both aggressive and flexible.

So the questions remain: Can Bachmeier or Hillstead become the “guy” BYU needs to win big? Does this team have what it takes to contend for the Big 12 crown and earn its first College Football Playoff berth?

Or, more bluntly—can BYU even win six games to become bowl-eligible?

Only time will tell.