EAST LANSING, Mich. — Tyler O’Connor will be Michigan State’s starting quarterback when the Spartans open the season on Sept. 2 at home against Furman.
MSU coach Mark Dantonio announced that decision on Monday, confirming what most people expected would be the outcome of a three-way competition between O’Connor, a fifth-year senior from Lima Central Catholic, junior Damion Terry and redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke.
“I think Tyler O’Connor is our quarterback right now. He’s the No. 1 guy,” Dantonio said before the Spartans’ practice on Monday.
“He has had a good enough camp to say that right now. Will the other guys play? Possibly. But he’s our No. 1 guy. I can say right now he will start Week One,” he said.
O’Connor replaces Connor Cook, the Spartans’ starter for the last three seasons.
O’Connor has made one start at Michigan State, but it was on a huge stage when he led the Spartans to a 17-14 win over No. 2 Ohio State in Ohio Stadium last season. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in that game.
In his career, O’Connor has completed 34 of 54 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. He also punted in two games last season.
Terry has completed 14 of 26 passes for 103 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games.
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