SALT LAKE CITY (ABC-4 Sports) - You really couldn't ask for a greater contrast in the Utes and Cougars quarterbacks headed into Saturday's annual showdown in Provo. Utah freshman Jordan Wynn will be making just his third start as a college quarterback, while Max Hall, BYU's all-time winningest quarterback, will be starting his third rivalry game.
Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham knows the advantage of having an experienced quarterback in this game. "Last year, we had that luxury with Brian Johnson," said Whittingham. "I don't think anybody would dispute that, although I think Jordan's gonna handle himself very well."
Senior left tackle Zane Beadles agrees. "He's a very confident guy in his ability and in his teammates," said Beadles. "He knows we're gonna protect him, and he's gonna go out there and have a great game."
Wynn, who is 1-1 as a starter, said he's benefited from having Brian Johnson around the team in a mentor-type role. "He just gives me little pointers here and there," said Wynn. "He says things like, 'Execute the offense, play within yourself,' stuff like that. And I definitely appreciate having him there to be able to talk to. I'm excited for the challenge and I'm just just looking forward to the game."
Johnson, who went 1-1 against the Cougars, thinks Wynn will handle himself just fine in the hostile environment of LaVell Edwards Stadium. "He loves football, loves being around it," said Johnson. "He enjoys being in that moment and being the guy."
BYU senior defensive end Jan Jorgensen isn't licking his chops just because the Utes are starting a true freshman quarterback, though. "It's just another quarterback back there," said Jorgensen. "If they had a freshman offensive tackle, then I'd be licking my chops. Freshman quarterback? Doesn't matter. I still have to get through a guy to get to him."
