Harbaugh: BYU's Tanner Mangum Plays 'Exciting Brand Of Quarterback'

By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby

The defense has been the better half of Michigan's football team this season, and it's about to be tested against BYU this weekend, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh.

At 2-1, the Wolverines will play their third straight home game Saturday against the Cougars. BYU will trot out an offense that is in the bottom half of Division I in terms of rushing, passing and scoring offense, but one that Harbaugh says will be a challenge.

"Big, physical, athletic receivers," he said. "We're going to be tested dramatically in that area."

Throwing the ball to those receivers will be quarterback Tanner Mangum, a 22-year-old freshman who gave BYU two late-game wins in two weeks this season. He launched a 42-yard Hail Mary to beat Nebraska in the first week of the season, then threw a touchdown pass to Mitchell Juergens with 45 seconds remaining against Boise State.

Needless to say, Mangum has Michigan's attention.

"He's good, really good," Harbaugh said. "He's cool in the pocket, extends plays. He can scramble, he can keep his eyes downfield and find receivers. He plays an exciting brand of quarterback."