Does On3's list of top 10 NCAA quarterbacks spit in BYU's Bear Bachmeier's face?

Bear Bachmeier's performance against the best quarterbacks in college football deserves far more credit than it's receiving, and the BYU community needs to rally around their man under center. On On3's recent top 10 quarterbacks list, the Cougars' sophomore quarterback was unsurprisingly absent, but the appearance of a familiar face should have BYU football followers scratching their heads.

But first, a disclaimer (how fun!).

Look, I intend to keep both feet planted in the realm of reality for this article. I understand that my vision can get a bit royal-blue tinted when it comes to talking about BYU football -- or Cougar sports as a whole, really.

Before moving forward, I have to ensure that my opions and feelings on Cougar football are grounded with these three stakes.

First, I understand that BYU will not win the national championship this season. If the last two years are any indication, the team will either have to go 13-0 or win the Big 12 Conference championship in Arlington to even be considered for the 12-team format -- this is the world we're living in -- and even if they find a slot in the bracket, the Cougs aren't making it past the second round. Please don't convince yourself otherwise.

Second, I understand that On3 (and most other sites) only produces top 10 lists like these to spur conversation and bathe in controversy. They want attention, first and foremost, so it's only logical that they'll make a few selections with the knowledge that it may not be the logical or reasonable option. Don't feed into the engagement bait. Be objective.

Third and finally, Bear Bachmeier's freshman season was far from perfect. Impressive and commendable in the context of his late arrival and youth? Absolutely. Top 10 quarterback? Pump the brakes.

But take a look at the number 8 spot on On3's list (apologies for making you scroll back up to see it). Do you see it? The name Josh Hoover should spark some memories for BYU fans, after he led the TCU Horned Frogs into the hornet's nest that is LaVell Edwards Stadium at night.

In a direct comparison between the two signal callers, Bachmeier won the battle in any way you look at it.

Bear Bachmeier stats vs TCU:

23/33 passing (69.7%), 296 yards
1 TD, 0 INT
10 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD
QBR 94.3

Josh Hoover stats vs BYU:

10/23 passing (43.48%), 183 yards
0 TD, 2 INT
11 carries, -6 yards

Bachmeier completely outgunned Hoover in the head-to-head matchup.

Now, I promised to be fair, and I understand why Hoover's seeing such a high spike in national interest since joining Indiana. He was 16th in the nation in passing yards and 9th in passing touchdowns as a junior in Fort Worth. His night against BYU was his worst of the season by far. Much of the credit should go to the Cougars' defense, which completely tormented TCU from start to finish in a 44-13 drubbing in Provo.

But still, there's something that just feels... off. Like Hoover still has to prove he's more than a good stats-type and more of a winning football type. He threw 13 interceptions as a junior and gained 4 yards on the ground all season. 4. The pocket passer archetype is not yet extinct, but Curt Cignetti clearly has plans for his quarterback that On3 can buy into, but I'll be tougher to convince.

I've seen too much.

According to CBS Sports, Bachmeier is the 24th-best quarterback in the nation as a sophomore. For a BYU football team that has already seen what he can do last season, that number is incredibly promising. But seeing a player like Josh Hoover sneak his way onto the top-10 list makes you wonder if his name would be anywhere near that spot if the national champion's ensignia weren't on display directly adjacent.

So no, maybe the top 10 list doesn't "spit in Bear Bachmeier's face". I have the right to be dramatic as a disembodied wall of text on the internet. But it certainly draws questions about Bachmeier's place in the world of college football, and where he can take the Cougars this season.

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