SMU quarterback Ben Hicks has started 27 straight games, dating back to his second career game against hometown Baylor in 2016. That could change soon. 

Mustangs coach Sonny Dykes said on the American Athletic Conference teleconference that the quarterback battle is back open. Redshirt junior Hicks and true freshman William Brown will compete for the starting position for Saturday's matchup against Navy.

"We're trying to build a program that's about accountability," Dykes said on the AAC teleconference, per Pony Stampede. "For me, the accountability starts with me. I felt like we just needed to make a change. It's a hard thing to do. Ben is a good football player. Ben is a team captain and Ben is a well-respected player within our program."

Hicks has struggled mightily in his first three weeks of the season. He's completed just 47 percent of his passes for 158.7 yards per game. The Mustangs are 0-3 this season, and have been outscored 109-42 with him on the field. Both of his interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

"You know, I was discouraged a little bit, and we talked about this earlier," Dykes said. "We had three consecutive weeks where our quarterback didn't handle the ball. One week on the ground against TCU and then had thrown two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns."

Brown came into the game against Michigan in the second half and gave the offense a spark. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns, and also added 48 yards on the ground against the vaunted Wolverine defense. 

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said his team will prepare to face both quarterbacks. 

SMU football faces off against Navy at 11 a.m. CT at Ford Stadium in Dallas. The game will be broadcast on ESPNNews. Click here to buy tickets.