It isn’t quite David vs. Goliath, but it sure is close: following a week of speculation, all arrows point towards true freshman Spencer Brasch being Cal football’s starting quarterback tonight against No. 12 Utah. 

If his number is indeed called upon, Brasch will be the third different quarterback to start under center for the Bears in 2019, and the first true freshman quarterback to start since Jared Goff’s collegiate debut in Aug. 2013. He’ll be facing a Utah defense that has surrendered just 23 points in its past three contests combined. 

With questions regarding redshirt junior Devon Modster’s availability heading into Saturday night, and redshirt sophomore Chase Garbers already sidelined with an upper body injury, Cal’s maligned offense will to Brasch, a three-star recruit from Gilbert, Arizona, who originally wasn’t set to see much game action this season. 

In his first appearance, Brasch relieved Modster last weekend in a 21-17 loss against Oregon State, compiling 24 passing yards while completing two of six passes and throwing one interception. Modster departed the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury and was unavailable to play the final drives of the contest, according to head coach Justin Wilcox. 

With Garbers and Modster sidelined against the Utes, redshirt freshman Robby Rowell figures to be the backup to Brasch. An emergency quarterback has not been revealed by the team at this time.