By Robert Weiler
BYU football head coach Gary Crowton has answered the biggest question on the minds of Cougar fans before Saturday?s game against Notre Dame.
And the answer is John Beck.
During his afternoon press conference Monday, Crowton reaffirmed what fans and media anticipated by naming Beck the starting quarterback for the team?s season opener at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
?John Beck will be the starting quarterback, but I wont hesitate to play Matt Berry,? he said.
Crowton spoke highly of both quarterbacks, but said he gave the edge to Beck because of his mobility.
?It was very close,? he said. ?John has some mobility that gives us some other options, but Matt has done very, very well. It gives me a good feeling about going in there from the quarterback perspective of having two guys who have both played games and both competed.?
Offensively, Crowton said he will work a lot closer with his quarterbacks this year during the week, but will still look for help from his staff for play calling during games. Last season, Crowton would only meet with the quarterbacks once a week. This year, he plans on meeting with them daily.
?It will be a group effort, but I?ll make that final decision,? he said. ?It?ll come out of my mouth to the quarterback?s ear.?
With a 3-0 record on opening day at BYU, Crowton said he is more confident heading into the season at quarterback and at offensive line this year compared to last year. He also said he feels like the offense has more depth than last year?s injury-laden 4-8 season.
?We?ve got some playmakers this year, so I?m curious to see how they will perform on game day,? he said.
