A trio of Big Ten programs have officially clarified the quarterback position with the season fast approaching.
In a move that will surprise absolutely no one, Michigan State has named Tyler O’Connor as its starter under center. A senior, O’Connor started MSU’s win over Ohio State last year, replacing the injured Connor Cook.
In 14 career games, O’Connor has completed 34-of-54 passes for 374 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. In the win over OSU, O’Connor hit on seven of his 1 attempts for 89 yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over.
O’Connor’s main competition for the job had been junior Damion Terry. Mark Dantonio didn’t, however, commit to O’Connor as the season-long starter.
“I think Tyler O’Connor’s our quarterback right now,” the head coach said. “He’s the number one guy, he’s had a good enough camp to say that right now.”
MSU opens the season Sept. 2 against Furman.
Over at Rutgers, Chris Laviano has won the Scarlet Knights’ quarterback competition. Laviano, RU’s returning starter, beat out TCU graduate transfer Zach Allen.
Last season, Laviano completed nearly 61 percent of his passes for 2,247 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The completion percentage was the best for an RU player since 2008, while the yardage was good for eighth in school history.
RU will travel to No. 14 Washington Sept. 3 for its opener.
And finally, at Purdue, David Blough was tapped as the starter for the Sept. 3 opener against Eastern Kentucky. The redshirt sophomore overcame a challenge from Elijah Sindelar to retain his job.
Last season, Blough started eight games for the Boilermakers.
Blough taking over the reins continues the history of change at the position in West Lafayette.8th straight year Purdue will have a different opening day starting QB than the yr before. Blough the 9th diff opening day starter in 10 yrs
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 22, 2016