Meyer still mulls QBs as Elliott has surgery

Utah quarterback Brett Elliott suffered a "significant fracture" in his left wrist while attempting to score on a two-point conversion with eight seconds remaining in Saturday's 28-26 loss at Texas A&M.

"He got hit real hard," Utah coach Urban Meyer said. "It was a great effort trying to get in the end zone."

The game wasn't the only thing Utes lost when the junior was knocked off his feet near the 2-yard line. They also lost Elliott. The starter of Utah's last eight games had a plate placed in his wrist Monday afternoon and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks.

Naming a new starter, however, isn't going to be easy. Meyer will likely wait until Wednesday before announcing if sophomore Alex Smith or senior Lance Rice will get the call.

"Alex hasn't stepped ahead yet, and Lance hasn't stepped ahead yet," Meyer said. "So, it's going to be determined Monday and Tuesday in practice."

Welcome the the second round of a quarterback competition that was a three-way race in training camp. Elliott prevailed as the starter, while Smith saw reserve duty in the opener against Utah State. Rice, the veteran of the group, has yet to take a snap this season.

"I like competition. I think it sets up the best of both of us," Smith said. "We're both going to have to show what we can do this week. I think the best person will be playing Thursday."

Both quarterbacks need to be ready, Meyer explained, because in his spread offense they'll get hit. And as Elliott can attest, injuries can occur.

"It really doesn't change anything for me. I've just got to be ready when called upon to perform," Rice said. "It's going to be a little different. I haven't played in quite a while, but I have played a lot. I feel confident in a game situation that I can step in and perform."

John Madsen, whose 45-yard touchdown reception preceded Elliott's conversion attempt, is certain both Rice and Smith can get the job done.

"As far as receivers and quarterbacks, I don't think we're going to have a problem camaraderie-wise," Madsen said. "We'll be pretty good. We'll be on the same page."

Confidence defines Smith as well. The sophomore, who is nursing a some minor back problems, is eager to make his first collegiate start.

"The passing game has struggled a little bit these first couple of games. We're trying to get that done. It's getting better. We're getting there," Smith said. "I'm just going to do my part. Hopefully I'll step in and make the plays that need to be made."