Montez vs. Noyer: Breaking it all down

Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Buffaloes’ 28-0 loss at Washington State on Saturday night, calling it “the worst offensive performance I think we’ve had since I’ve been the coach here.”

A strong indictment that led to a drastic decision. An open quarterback competition in Week 9?

“As bad as we looked?” MacIntyre said. “Yes.”

CU (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) hosts California (4-4, 1-4) at noon Saturday, and it will either be redshirt sophomore Steven Montez or redshirt freshman Sam Noyer playing quarterback. The competition is open, and MacIntyre says the decision will be made Saturday.

How the competition breaks down: BACKGROUND

Montez: El Paso native … Three-star high school recruit, per Rivals. 6-foot-5, 220 pounds … 20 years old.

Noyer: Beaverton, Ore., native … Three-star high school recruit, per Rivals … 6-foot-4, 215 pounds … 21 years old.

STATISTICS

Montez

2017: 8 games … 144-of-243 (61.8) passing … 12 passing touchdowns … 6 interceptions … 79 carries … 224 rushing yards … 1 rushing touchdown.

2016: 10 games … 79-of-131 (62.8) passing … 9 passing touchdowns … 4 interceptions … 51 carries … 231 rushing yards … 1 rushing touchdown. 2015: Redshirted.

Noyer

2017: 3 games … 12-of-26 (46.2) passing … 0 passing touchdowns, interceptions and rushing touchdowns…. 7 carries … minus-11 rushing yards

2016: Redshirted.

STRENGTHS

Montez: No quarterback on the roster has more game experience and a better blend of athleticism and arm strength. Montez has the ability to make a huge play out of seemingly nothing. He hasn’t thrown an interception in 108 pass attempts dating to Sept. 23 against Washington.

Noyer: Is an athletic runner with a big arm who threw for 2,801 yards and rushed for 366 yards as a high school senior. A redshirt season last fall allowed Noyer to develop and learn under CU’s all-time passing leader, Sefo Liufau, and Noyer impressed coaches enough to be named the backup this year. He is a fresh face who gives CU the potential for new life on offense.

WEAKNESSES

Montez: He displayed poor decision-making and accuracy at Wazzu and during several other portions of the previous seven games. Often holds on to the ball too long and is prone to leaving the pocket early by relying too much on his athleticism to make plays. CU has a wealth of talent at running back and receiver, but Montez hasn’t maximized the team’s offensive potential.

Noyer: He is an inexperienced player who has yet to play meaningful snaps. Should the Buffaloes turn to Noyer, it might signal inside the locker room that CU is already playing for next year by developing its quarterback of the future.

BOTTOM LINE

No matter who wins the job, MacIntyre’s decision to reopen the quarterback competition makes sense. The Buffs have not gotten the needed production from the position, and it sends a message that complacency won’t be tolerated, even at the most important position. The more intriguing question, though, is how this late-season move will impact next year’s team. Will Montez’s trust in the coaching staff hold strong? Is this the opportunity Noyer needs to break out? Is either the answer for CU in the long term?