Coach Dennis Erickson answered the burning question fast Monday at his news conference on campus at Tempe, leading it off by announcing that he and his coaches chose junior transfer Steven Threet to open the season as the starting quarterback.
Sophomore Brock Osweiler, who was competing with Threet to be the starter earlier this month, will see action against Portland State on Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium, Erickson added.
"It was just basically who was the most consistent through all fall camp," Erickson said, "although Brock had a great camp."
Threet made eight starts for Michigan in 2008 before transferring and having to sit out the 2009 season per NCAA transfer regulations. He was 102-for-200 for 1,105 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2008. He also rushed for 201 yards.
Erickson said both Threet and Osweiler showed improvement and good leadership.
"Brock was disappointed, Steven was happy, but then again, in visiting with them, all they do is want to win football games," Erickson said.
Asked if the Devils could run a two-quarterback system, Erickson said he didn't know if that would be the case. "Steven has earned a start, he'll start," Erickson said. "Brock will play hopefully in the first two football games, then we'll see what happens as time goes on. You've got to have two good ones. There isn't that much difference between the two."
Erickson will insert Osweiler based on feeling, not after a quarter or two.
The difference between Threet and Osweiler can be found in their separate approaches to football. Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said Threet thinks a lot.
"When I can bring his intelligence down to mine, then he's a better player," Mazzone said.
Osweiler is more of the "give me the ball and let's go," Mazzone added.