Boise St.'s Southwick to start at QB

Published Aug. 26, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Joe Southwick has been chosen to start at quarterback for No. 24 Boise State against No. 13 Michigan State.

The junior will make his first career start after spending two seasons backing up four-year starter Kellen Moore, who started more winning games than any quarterback in major college football history. Southwick is 40 for 54 for 400 yards with two touchdown passes in his career at Boise State.

Broncos coach Chris Petersen announced the decision Sunday.

Southwick won the job after a four-way competition in the preseason. Sophomore Grant Hedrick is listed as the backup and redshirt freshman Jimmy Laughrea will start the season a third-stringer.

Freshman Nick Patti is expected to redshirt.

The Broncos open the season Friday night at Michigan State.