PROVO, Utah — The battle for the starting quarterback job at BYU has ended in a tie.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall said Riley Nelson and freshman Jake Heaps will be sharing the job when the season begins next week.
“Each is a talented player with a different style, which will pose some difficulties for opposing defenses,” Mendenhall said Friday.
Nelson, a junior who backed up Max Hall in seven games last season, will likely take BYU’s first series in the Cougars’ opener against Washington next Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Heaps will also play in what Mendenhall described as a system, not a continued tryout.
Georgia tailback arrested
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey, who led the Bulldogs in rushing a year ago, was suspended for at least one game after being arrested.
Ealey, who gained 717 yards and scored three touchdowns last season, was charged with hit and run and driving on a suspended license.
Coach Mark Richt said the sophomore won’t play when the Bulldogs open the season Saturday against Louisiana- Lafayette and left open the possibility of adding more games to the suspension.
Missouri RB Washington accused of sexual assault
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri running back Derrick Washington was accused of sexual assault by a former tutor in June and could face criminal charges related to the incident that might be behind his indefinite suspension.
Boone County court records show the woman obtained a protection order against Washington on June 22. She accused the senior of entering her off-campus apartment three days earlier in the middle of the night and sexually assaulting her.
Footnotes.
Sophomore Darron Thomas will be Oregon’s starting quarterback for Saturday’s opener against New Mexico, winning the job over senior Nate Costa.
• Oklahoma State defensive end Jamie Blatnick pleaded guilty to an assault and battery charge that was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. His playing status is uncertain.
• SMU coach June Jones received a two-year contract extension through the 2014 season.
