By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Aug. 26, 2003
STARKVILLE Mississippi State University head football coach Jackie Sherrill said senior Kevin Fant will be the team's starting quarterback in the season opener against Oregon.
Fant beat out sophomore Kyle York, who entered the preseason No. 1 on the depth chart, for the starting job.
Fant, who missed the final two weeks of spring practice for personal reasons, started in 10 games last season. He completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,978 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
York, who started two games last season, threw for 693 yard, with three touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He started against Oregon last season while Fant was serving an NCAA suspension.
Fant will be one of the few recognizable players on the field for the Bulldogs in their opener against the Ducks, with MSU fielding a number of true freshmen in its season opener.
MSU will also be without both of its starting offensive guards in the opener.
Sherrill said left guard Brad Weathers and right guard Johnny Wadley will miss the game because of injury.
The Bulldogs started last season on the road against the Ducks losing 36-13, and Sherrill said he expects another strong showing from Oregon this year.
Oregon's visit to Scott Field in Davis Wade Stadium will mark the first time a Pac-10 school has come to the MSU campus.
The game is scheduled to kickoff at 8:04 p.m. Saturday, and will be televised on ESPN2.