Michigan State names Tyler O'Connor starting quarterback

Tyler O’Connor will start for Michigan State in the team's Week 1 matchup against Furman, head coach Mark Dantonio announced Monday.

O’Connor, a senior, was seen as the favorite for the job entering fall camp due to his experience. O’Connor was the Spartans’ No. 2 quarterback last season, and started in a win at Ohio State in place of an injured Connor Cook last November.

Others vying for the starting job include junior Damien Terry and redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke, both of whom could still see playing time in Michigan State’s first game.

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In his career, O’Connor has thrown for 374 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in brief stints over three seasons.

The Spartans open with Furman on Sept. 2 and then have Week 2 off before traveling to South Bend for a matchup with Notre Dame on Sept. 17. Michigan State enters the upcoming season as the defending Big Ten champion.

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