It took two games to make a decision, but redshirt freshman Tayven Jackson will be Indiana’s starting quarterback from here on out.
Head coach Tom Allen made the announcement Monday, picking Jackson over Brendan Sorsby after giving both equal opportunities against Ohio State and Indiana State.
Allen said it all came down to how each performed under game conditions.
“There's nothing like the game, the ebbs and flows of the game, motions of the game,” Allen said. “I felt like there was just a poise to that part of it and an ability to move our team down the field. At the end of the day, that's really what it comes down to, being able to score points.”
And in the two games, Jackson put up the points. He led the only scoring drive in a 23-3 season-opening loss to Ohio State, then led touchdown drives on the opening three possessions in a 41-7 win over Indiana State Friday night.
In the two games, Jackson completed 19 of 26 passes for 260 yards, while Sorsby connected on 17 of 32 passes for 166 yards. Neither has thrown a touchdown or an interception.
Allen said he made his decision on a starter Saturday.
“I wasn't going to make a decision when we walked off the field,” Allen said. “I wanted to be able to see the film, see everything, take a deep breath, evaluate it, and just make sure we were all on the same page, which we are.”
Allen said he called both quarterbacks in and told them at the same time Sunday.
“I've not done it that way before; I've always done it separate,” he said. “I just wanted crystal clear understanding that they both are the exact same message and that way there's no, ‘well, coach said this to me’ or ‘coach said this to me.’ No, this was what you were told together.
“To me, I just wanted to make sure. I know how important it is that these guys stay together and that they complement each other and they encourage each other and they challenge each other and hold each other accountable.”
Allen said they handled the decision well.
“Tayven knows he's got to perform, and Brendan knows he's got to be ready,” Allen said. “That's the reality of competition and performing at an elite level.”
Jackson’s first game as the official starter will come Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against the Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff is at noon on the Big Ten Network.
