It’s the question University of Memphis football coach Tommy West is fielding with regularity this week, before Saturday’s non-conference game against Middle Tennessee.

(And, yes, that’s Middle Tennessee and not Middle Tennessee State.)

Two-year starter Martin Hankins (right) suffered a hip pointer two weeks ago against Arkansas State and was forced to miss last week’s 24-21 Conference USA win over Marshall. In his absence, backup Will Hudgens, the 6-4 junior from Memphis, impressed a national television audience, a Liberty Bowl Stadium crowd and several former college coaches in the press box with his performance.

Hudgens, making his first start in two years, completed 30-of-45 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns and had another potential TD catch dropped in the end zone. Stronger armed than Hankins, Hudgens throws a better deep ball and has more zip on his deep outs.

Hankins has the experience and a better grasp of the spread offense.

It’s obvious West will use Hudgens (left) more than he may have in the past. He has hedged that he’ll play the QB who gives the team the best opportunity to win against MT (and not MTSU as the Blue Raiders used to be called).

During the past week, West has said he’s comfortable with either Hankins or Hudgens taking snaps. With neither quarterback being particularly mobile — a plus in a spread offense — it makes sense for West to give the stronger-armed Hudgens additional playing time.