Jakes to start at QB for Western Kentucky

Published Aug. 23, 2010 5:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Western Kentucky coach Willie Taggart has picked sophomore Kawaun Jakes as the team's starting quarterback.

Jakes had been competing with junior Matt Pelesasa since fall camp began, but Pelesasa has been struggling with a sore arm recently, opening the door for Jakes.

Jakes threw for over 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns as a redshirt freshman last year, starting eight games.

Jakes and the Hilltoppers, who have lost 20 straight games, open the season at No. 8 Nebraska on Sept. 4.