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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle, Monday, September 30, IMS Page Twenty-seve- n Quarterback battle doesn't upset Ute team effort Time for some character introductions: In this comer, we have Bryan Bero. After serving as caddy to last year's Ute quarterback, Mark Stevens, for all of last season, the sophomore is tabbed the starting signal caller by new Ute Coach Jim Fasscl for the team's first game, against Boise State. At the time, Bero had impressed the Ute coaches with bis ability to move and to throw while moving. He also seemed most deserving of the job, after serving a faithful apprenticeship last year. ON SPORTS John Youngren But, in the other corner, there's Larry Egger. The quarterback at El Camino Junior College in California last year, Egger led all junior college QB's in passing yardage before transferring to Utah over the summer. Although he was beaten out by Bero for the starting job just before the Boise State game, Fassel insisted it would have been a quality choice either way. and Yet against Boise State, Bero is inconsistent all night. His throwing motion appears to be out of synch, and he overthrows receivers on a couple of plays. He finishes the night with only 104 yards on a paltry (for a "passing offense) 12 of 22 completions; a big reason the Utes dropped back to a running offense against the off-balan- ce TT Broncos. Bero follows his bad night with a bad week of practice, and leaves the door open for Egger to assume the starting role the following week against Hawaii in Honolulu. What does Egger do? Promptly reels off 275 yards on 24 for 42 passing to lead the Utes to 422 yards total offense and a 29-2- 7 upset win over the Rainbows. The junior also comes through on a couple of big plays, including a fourth down conversion when the Utes needed it most late in the game. "Egger played as great a game as I've ever seen a quarterback play to begin his college career. He came through many times, Fassel sap after the Hawaii win. The following week at home, Egger continues his brilliance, with a 17 for 32, 24 passing performance as the Utes outlast Washington State, 44-3- 7. 'Egger is developing every week as a better quarterback," Fassel says after the Washington State victory. And finally, Saturday night in the romp over UTEP, Egger puts together his best performance yet. The southpaw throws for 243 yards on a 1 7 for 27 showing, ard all-arou- nd with three touchdowns, including two to his favorite receiver, Loren Richey. Egger's position with the team is furthermore established when it comes time to relieve, and Bero is called in off the bench. "He's a fine player and a cool customer out there, Fassel says about Egger after the UTEP game, also indicating that the decision was made a while ago that O Egger's pretty much got the job to lose. Bryan Bero. Larry Egger. Quick, now, who would you rather be? "I'm happy the team's winning behind Larry, Bero said Saturday, after he went 2 for 5 for 35 yards while mopping up the 55-1- 9 UTEP mess in the fourth quarter. Fassel's made it clear to each of his main quarterbacks that this is the way things will be. In fact, Egger's three starting shows have played to such rave reviews that the Ute coach only expects things to get better. "Larry just does things right out there. He does what we want him to do,' Fassel said. It is unfortunate for Bero that for a team to succeed on a regular basis it must choose one man to lead it at quarterback. Handed the ball, Egger has come through, and like everyone has pointed out, as long as the Utes perform well behind him the job is his. Bero remains a gracious team player who had the misfortune of playing bad when it mattered most that he played well. And although Egger seems to be the logical choice at QB for right now, while the team is 4-- 0 (which is the best medicine for anyone's ails), Bero says he will be ready when and if he is called upon again. "It's kind of hard to come in like that, he said after his UTEP relief appearance. "But Larry's the starter and I just have to be ready to play if he gets hurt or needs help.' One position. Two starters. But a quality choice either way. rfJ Crak fare BiresMsistt OCTOBER 1 st - 8 AM, MARRIOTT PLAZA - ELECTION 85 .. 7 COMMITTEE PAID FOR BY THE MERRILL COOK FOR MAYOR ' LL JI |