We’ve been preparing Beau (Hoge) and Koy Detmer. If we’re down to our two freshman, I’m confident they can go in and do stuff they’re familiar with. – BYU offensive coordinator Robert Anae
PASADENA, Calif. — BYU freshman quarterback Tanner Mangum was thrust into a tough situation at Nebraska two weeks ago, stepping in for the injured Taysom Hill.
Mangum has exceeded expectations since, guiding the Cougars to two heart-stopping wins.
Backing up Mangum are two other true freshmen — Beau Hoge and Koy Detmer Jr.
“We’ve been preparing Beau and Koy Detmer. If we’re down to our two freshman, I’m confident they can go in and do stuff they’re familiar with,” said offensive coordinator Robert Anae. “Their toolbox is a lot smaller than a guy who’s been here for a while. We got to a point where there were so many fun things to do with Taysom that he executed really well. This was the year to take the roof off. Well, he got hurt. Tanner’s deal is a little shorter but he’s been around for a spring and is familiar with the offense at some level. It’s the starting point we’re focused on with Hoge and Detmer.”
Hoge would likely become the next quarterback should something happen to Mangum.
Quarterbacks coach Jason Beck said he’s been impressed with Hoge’s preparation.
“He’s jumped right in. He’s been getting his reps with the second rotation. He’s working hard and preparing, doing a good job at practice. He’s stepped up his preparation and his readiness to jump in there. He knows he’s the next guy up, just like with Tanner. He has to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
GOOD ADVICE: Mangum was asked about the best advice he’s received since replacing Hill.
“A piece of advice I received on Saturday was from Taysom. He texted me before the game to say good luck,” Mangum said. “I told him we were playing for him and that we miss him. He said, ‘Good luck. No matter what happens out there, things won’t always go your way but it’s how you respond in those moments that will establish you as a leader.’ That means a lot because lots of things go wrong in a game. You make some mistakes and things don’t go your way. You have to keep your head up and keep fighting and keep playing. It’s definitely something I want to remember because it’s all about how you respond to those situations, that adversity, that will make the difference.”
WHAT ABOUT BROWN?: BYU running back Algernon Brown carried the ball just five times last week against Boise State.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall was asked if Brown is healthy.
“Algie is 100 percent. He’s being asked to do a lot of different things,” Mendenhall said. “It’s a long, long season without a lot of depth at running back. I think we’ve managed it pretty well based on the outcomes. It’s a unique balance between a marathon and a sprint. We’re trying to use him enough but also have him for the entire year.”
TOO TIRED TO TALK: Wide receiver Devon Blackmon was asked if he had been talking to his teammates about playing in the historic Rose Bowl this week.
“No, not really. I’ve just been coming to practice at 5:30 (a.m.) tired. I don’t talk, period,” Blackmon said. “I just come to work, stay focused. I don’t think too much about the venue. Probably when I get there, I’ll live in the moment. But as of right now, no.”