:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49319671/usa-today-8070376.0.jpg)
Let the discussions cease.
Arkansas edge #5 is we EARN EVERYTHING. That is why today I announced to the team @austinallen8 is our starting QB pic.twitter.com/QBpd03HJOt
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) April 15, 2016
So there you have it. The quarterback competition, at least the one for starter, has officially been won. Austin Allen is your starting quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Allen was the leader in last weekend's scrimmage and has been the official backup quarterback for the last two seasons. Per UA:
Allen completed 15 of 18 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns during last Saturday’s 100-play scrimmage.
He saw action in three games last season and went 1 of 3 passing for 35 yards and one touchdown. His scoring toss was a 35-yard completion to tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in the UT Martin game on Oct. 31, 2015.
In eight career appearances, Allen is 9-of-19 passing for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
This is not a surprise at all to anyone who has been following this competition. Bielema has shown a strong preference for experience at nearly every opportunity, and Allen obviously has an edge in that regard. But does that mean he's necessarily the best quarterback? What little evidence we do have, which are the handful of open practices and Allen's limited in-game experience, suggests that he is.
Some have floated the conspiracy theory that Bielema is irrationally biased toward the Allens after supporting Brandon for three mostly frustrating seasons and the fact that their father is part of the athletic department. That's always been foolish. There is far too much at stake for the coaches to act like Little League parent/coaches. The bottom line is that Allen does have an experience edge, is performing well in practices, and the other quarterbacks have not done enough to take the position from him.
Will Austin be as good as Brandon was at the end of last season immediately? Probably not. But I have no doubt he'll be capable enough to get the ball into Arkansas' talented receivers' hands.