BYU football: If Beau Hoge is healthy, he should be the starting QB

BYU football has been hit hard by injuries this season, not the least of which had come at quarterback. But if Beau Hoge is healthy, he should be the starter.

BYU football has a bit of a quarterback problem.

Which is to say that BYU has had both a number of injury issues at the QB position and a startling lack of production from the QB position.

Tanner Mangum has been a let down after breaking BYU football freshman records in 2015. That’s disappointing for a number of reasons. Mangum’s skill set seemed to fit a pro-style offense, but clearly that’s not the case. Not to mention, I was one of the most vocal Mangum supporters last year, wanting him over Taysom Hill.

Oops. Can’t win them all, right?

But while the stars appeared to be aligning for Mangum, it’s clear something isn’t right with him. Maybe it’s all above the neck, maybe it’s his arm. I’m not sure.

But I am sure of this: The team rallied around Beau Hoge, and the offense looked at its best when Hoge was at the helm.

Granted, that was a very limited sample size, but it’s not like Mangum has done anything to inspire confidence.

Mangum has at least one turnover in every game he’s played – except for the season opener against Portland State. He’s completed 20 passes or more just twice, topped 200 yards just twice, and the Cougars are 2-5 when Mangum starts.

Are there problems outside of quarterback when it comes to BYU’s offense? Absolutely there are. For the most part, the Cougar wide receivers don’t do a good job of creating separation and attacking the football. Plus, the running back position has been a rotation due to injuries and Honor Code violations.

So it’s not fair to put the blame on one player.

But at the same time, there’s something to be said for the drastic and dynamic changes that a quarterback can bring to a football team.

And the Cougars that went to Logan to take on Utah State looked like a different team. Players have said they rallied around Hoge – they thought he could win games. And they’re right. If he doesn’t get hurt against Utah State, the Cougars likely win that game.

At some point, Nike Elite 11 MVP awards become meaningless. Hail Mary touchdowns from two calendars ago lose relevancy.

At the same time, it seems kind of ridiculous to take a guy with just 47 career passing attempts, and declare he’s the better player.

But sometimes it all comes down to the eye test. And Hoge passed it.

Luckily for BYU football, Mangum looked better against San Jose State. But the Spartans are one of the worst teams in the nation. Fresno State, Hawaii and UNLV are all much better. To win those games, you need a spark.

Hopefully Ty Detmer finds one.