Gibson preparing for BYU offense, both ways

Senior quarterback Taysom Hill is going to start for BYU this weekend. That much is clear.

But defensive coordinator Tony Gibson is treating this week no differently than any other and is preparing for the looks that the backup quarterback Tanner Mangum could give too.

It’s a common practice under the tenure of Gibson to prepare for the backup even if there is no expectation of them playing in order to be prepared.

“Anytime you’re going into the game I always try to get clips. I want to see what mobility they might have and what they do with him. Every week I’m looking at the backup if he’s ever played,” he said.

But it’s one that could be even more important this week given the struggles of Hill through the first three games of the season. In those three contests, Hill has completed 58-percent of his passes for two touchdowns and four interceptions while tossing for 209 yards per game. Also a threat to run, Hill is second on the team with 117 yards rushing and a pair of scores.

However, his play and the offense’s in general has brought forth questions if Mangum should get an opportunity after tossing for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns as a freshman.

But BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has already made it clear that it will be Hill that starts against the Mountaineers citing a reason not to panic this early in the season even with the unit’s struggles averaging only 17 points and 338 total yards per game.

So Gibson is countering by not only watching film from this past season, but focusing on what Mangum did last year under center for the Cougars so West Virginia is ready for either option if that comes.

While Hill brings the element of the quarterback run game with the zone read, Mangum is a true pocket passer and the Cougars altered the offense to fit his skill set when he was in the game.

“They look totally different when he’s in the game. He’s not much of a runner, they don’t try to run him, Gibson said. “He’s more of a pocket passer.”

But while the focus in Provo has been on the struggles of the offense, Gibson sees a unit that has been a few play away from changing games throughout the course of the young season. Whether it be tipped balls for interceptions, fumbles or penalties it has been just a few things that have derailed the Cougars.

“They’re not that far off,” Gibson said.

And regardless of the quarterback under center, Gibson is hoping that it doesn’t happen against him.