Pac-12 backup quarterbacks suddenly have been thrust into the spotlight
When the season began, much of the talk about the Pac-12 revolved around an impressive crop of starting quarterbacks. However, just three weeks into the season, depth at that position has become more important than ever.
Last weekend, both Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly and UCLA’s Brett Hundley — two of the premier quarterbacks in the league — suffered injuries that could keep them out for an extended amount of time. I say “could” because neither coach Todd Graham nor coach Jim Mora has been too keen on announcing exactly what is wrong with either quarterback or how long either will be out.
But in their absences, we watched Kelly’s backup Mike Bercovici and Hundley’s backup Jerry Neuheisel take the reins of their respective teams with mixed results. Neuheisel, who came into last week’s game against Texas in the first quarter, threw the game-winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to give the Bruins a 20-17.
By the time Bercovici came in in the third quarter against Colorado, the Sun Devils were leading 38-17. He threw four passes, completed two of them for eight yards and helped Arizona State secure a 38-24 win.
What makes these quarterbacking situations even more interesting is that both teams have a bye this week before they meet next Thursday night. Kelly already has been ruled out for the game against the Bruins and Bercovici has confidence that he can take the reins of the team.
"I've been ready for this for a long time," Bercovici said Tuesday. "I really do put the pressure and the constraint on myself that this is an opportunity I owe to my teammates. If I wasn't ready right now, it would be pretty obvious to the guys at practice. I think the guys felt confidence in me after this practice knowing there's no drop off."
Neuheisel doesn’t need to tell anyone he’s ready to run the Bruins’ offense. After a shaky start, the coaching staff allowed him a little more freedom in the offense and he executed against the Longhorns. He completed 23-of-30 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard strike to Jordan Payton to win the game.
“Jerry told me, he said 'I was nervous,’” Mora said following the Texas game. “And I said, 'I wasn't because I've watched you everyday and I've watched you prepare and I know how smart you and I know your lineage and I know how your dad taught you.’ And, I think it all paid off for him tonight, and I'm just so happy for him and the rest of our players.”
Mora has not said whether Hundley would be back against Arizona State or if he’d stick with Neuheisel. If you’ve watched any UCLA football this season, Mora might be smart to stick with his hot hand. While Hundley hasn’t exactly played poorly, the UCLA offense hasn’t thrived with him under center. However, it seemed rejuvenated with Neuheisel and perhaps it might be the best move for the Bruins at this time.
In any case, it’s probably time every Pac-12 fan got to know their backup quarterback. So, we put together a quick primer for the other 10 Pac-12 schools:,/p>
Arizona: USC transfer Jesse Scroggins was on the road to being the starter before a car wreck in the offseason derailed those plans. However, the fact that he was in the original starting plans should give Wildcats a measure of comfort.
Cal: Luke Rubenzer has already seen playing time as a freshman, but probably won’t see much as starter Jeff Goff has locked down this role. Still, Rubenzer has looked decent in spot time and can run the same up-tempo style if he needs to.
Colorado: Jordan Gehrke made his collegiate debut in the waning minutes of the losing effort against Arizona State last weekend and impressed. Colorado fans might see more of him as starter Sefo Liufau has struggled with his consistency.
Oregon: If Marcus Mariota were lost for an extended amount of time it would be devastating for the Ducks, there’s no doubt about that, but third-year sophomore Jeff Lockie has been steady in his limited action. However, Lockie’s probably not the future for this team. That role likely goes to redshirting freshman Morgan Mahalak.
Oregon State: Sophomore Brent VanderVeen hasn’t played yet this season, but he did win a hotly-contested duel for the backup role against Alabama transfer Luke Del Rio. VanderVeen knows coach Mike Riley’s system, but he’s never played a collegiate snap.
Stanford: Coach David Shaw has had nothing but positive words about backup Evan Crower and Crower played well in the season opener against UC Davis after the game was well in hand. Shaw has no worries about having to go to Crower in an emergency, neither should you.
USC: Few recruits have come into a program anointed the starter, but that was that’s how a lot of folks felt about Max Browne — until Cody Kessler won the starting job. Still, Browne, who redshirted last season, is a top recruit and completed 75 percent of his passes in late-game action against Fresno State.
Washington: There’s a reason why even after Cyler Miles missed spring football and was suspended for the season opener that he remained the starter. The Washington backups aren’t inspiring and coach Chris Petersen hasn’t even picked a solid No. 2. Jeff Lindquist started the season opener against Hawaii, but Troy Williams played last week against Illinois. If you’re a Washington fan, pray Miles doesn’t get hurt (or in any more trouble).
Washington State: One of these days, Connor Halliday’s arm is going to fall off after throwing 70 passes in a game and coach Mike Leach is going to have to call on Luke Falk, a redshirt freshman who received his first playing time against Portland State last weekend. If there’s any consolation, Falk did complete both of his pass attempts for 86 yards, which included an 84-yard touchdown.
UCLA and Arizona State should be cautionary tales. No matter how hyped your starter is, the backup better be equally as good because you never know when you might need him to save the day.
For more UCLA news, visit BruinSportsReport.com.
For more Arizona State news, visit ASUDevils.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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