Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps are a curious pair of quarterbacks for the Brigham Young Cougars. The skill set for each quarterback are polar opposites. Nevertheless, their careers on the field, so far, are following the same path.
Jake Heaps
Heaps’ career got off to a real rocky start in 2010. It even reached the point that some circles were calling for Heaps to sit and give the reigns to James Lark or Jason Munns.
Heaps came around. He led BYU to a four game win streak to get the Cougars bowl eligible. During that four game win streak, Heaps got hot. He had one of the most efficient passing games in BYU history.
The four game win streak was snapped in a game against two-loss Utah. Heaps made some mistakes, but overall he played well enough for a win. Special teams blunders and poor officiating were the primary causes for the loss.
Heaps bounced back from the loss by throwing four touchdowns and earning MVP honors in the New Mexico Bowl.
Riley Nelson
Nelson started his career at BYU needing to wage a war against the perception that he was not a “BYU type” quarterback. He had a rocky performance against Air Force in 2010 followed by a season ending injury the next week. Nelson had few supporters that he should continue to be the starting quarterback when he recovered from his injury.
Nelson got a second chance in game five this year. BYU won four straight games with Nelson at quarterback. These four wins got the team bowl eligible. During this four game stretch, Nelson had one of the most efficient passing games in BYU history.
The four game win streak with Nelson at quarterback was snapped against two-loss TCU. Nelson made his share of mistakes. However, some would say, had it not been for horrendous special teams play and some poor officiating, Nelson’s play probably was enough to win the game.
It is more than likely that Nelson will bounce back. Idaho and New Mexico State are bounce back material.
The big question is, where will Nelson and Heaps’ careers go from here?
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Jake Heaps
Heaps’ career got off to a real rocky start in 2010. It even reached the point that some circles were calling for Heaps to sit and give the reigns to James Lark or Jason Munns.
Heaps came around. He led BYU to a four game win streak to get the Cougars bowl eligible. During that four game win streak, Heaps got hot. He had one of the most efficient passing games in BYU history.
The four game win streak was snapped in a game against two-loss Utah. Heaps made some mistakes, but overall he played well enough for a win. Special teams blunders and poor officiating were the primary causes for the loss.
Heaps bounced back from the loss by throwing four touchdowns and earning MVP honors in the New Mexico Bowl.
Riley Nelson
Nelson started his career at BYU needing to wage a war against the perception that he was not a “BYU type” quarterback. He had a rocky performance against Air Force in 2010 followed by a season ending injury the next week. Nelson had few supporters that he should continue to be the starting quarterback when he recovered from his injury.
Nelson got a second chance in game five this year. BYU won four straight games with Nelson at quarterback. These four wins got the team bowl eligible. During this four game stretch, Nelson had one of the most efficient passing games in BYU history.
The four game win streak with Nelson at quarterback was snapped against two-loss TCU. Nelson made his share of mistakes. However, some would say, had it not been for horrendous special teams play and some poor officiating, Nelson’s play probably was enough to win the game.
It is more than likely that Nelson will bounce back. Idaho and New Mexico State are bounce back material.
The big question is, where will Nelson and Heaps’ careers go from here?
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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