Poinsettia Bowl: James Lark to start for BYU, according to a report

The quarterback situation for BYU has been a crazy ride this year since starter Riley Nelson has been injured for most of the year. Currently, he is recovering from a rib injury he suffered against San Jose State, plus he suffered broken back earlier this season.

So, the decision for who would start for the Poinsettia Bowl was up in the air, but the Salt Lake Tribune's Jay Drew reported on Monday that James Lark would get the start against San Diego State on Thursday.

On Monday after practice Lark gave a no comment on the situation, and the usually talkative Nelson was somehow able to get out of being interviewed. So, it is no shock that Lark will get the start on Saturday.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenall did say that he has not named a starter on Monday, as well on Tuesday, but did say both could play:

"The good news is we have three more days ... and they are both getting work," Mendenhall said. "... I am not sure how it is going to play out. Nor could I predict the next three days, but the reps are similar to what they were back home."

While Lark lacks starting experience, his only career start came against lowly New Mexico State in the teams final game. In that contest Lark tossed six touchdowns in an easy victory. Lark is the better passer and makes better decisions on the field than Nelson; such as throwing the ball away and taking a sack.

Having Lark start does give BYU a better chance to win against San Diego State, but he will have to go up against Rocky Long's 3-3-5 defense, and for a quarterback with little meaningful game time experience Lark could struggle.