BYU football: Most effective quarterback should play

"You're the backup quarterback. Not much is expected of you," Nelson said. "If you go in there and don't play too well, that's what people expect. And if you go in there and play great, all of a sudden you're the greatest thing since sliced bread. That was kind of my approach to it, to go out and even though recently I haven't had a lot of game-like experience, the few reps I get in practice and things like the spring game, I try to make those as game-like as possible. I tried to control my emotions so they were the same in those practice situations as they were in the game. I will admit you go in there and automatically the heart starts beating and your mind starts racing. I tried really hard to calm myself down and just play football. I didn't do it perfectly, but I feel like I did a pretty good job."

Asked if he sees himself as a starting quarterback, Nelson responded, "I don't make personnel decisions."

That's the responsibility of the Cougar coaches — and they have a big decision to make this week.

Cougars and Spartans on the air

San Jose State (2-3) at BYU (3-2)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. MT

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

TV: ESPNU

Radio: 1160 AM, 102.7 FM

email: jeffc@desnews.com