True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier won the starting quarterback job this week, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. He will be the first true freshman to ever start Week 1 for BYU. While handing the keys to a first-time passer is a risk, coach Kalani Sitake made the perfect choice to push the Cougars back into Big 12 contention.

"BYU is naming true freshman Bear Bachmeier as the team’s starting quarterback, with his debut coming against Portland State on Aug. 30. Bachmeier, who will wear No. 47, will become the first true freshman to start an opener for BYU," Thamel reported.

Almost three months to the day when BYU coaches, fans and players alike were rattled by the bombshell news that projected and veteran starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff in all likelihood would not be under center for the Cougars in the Aug. 30 opener against Portland State, another somewhat startling development was announced in Provo.