BYU Football: The pros and cons of Mangum and Wilson
By Adam Gibby
Future
Winner: Zach Wilson (Probably)
Many fans argue that Wilson should play at some point this season as the starter but not against Power Five competition. After more research, however, Arizona and California are two of the worst Power Five pass defenses in the country. Out of the 64 Power Five teams in the nation Arizona ranked No. 48 and Cal was No. 54. Out of all 130 FBS teams, they ranked No. 84 and 91.
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Statistically speaking, the Arizona and California games aren’t just the two worst pass defenses in the Power Five, they are the 9th and 10th worst pass defenses that BYU will play all season period. On top of that, they would be the easiest two-game stretch of the season to start a young quarterback. For that reason alone, it would make sense to start Wilson early as opposed to later.
Lower Risk
Winner: Tanner Mangum
You don’t want to have Zach Wilson start against Arizona and have a terrible game. This could affect his confidence in a way that could have permanent effect.
Tanner Mangum has already seen rock bottom football-wise. A bad game against Arizona isn’t going to affect his confidence and composure in the same way that is could with Wilson. If the Cougars win, then the confidence boost should be the same for both players.