NC State loses starting QB Mitchell to foot injury

Published Aug. 31, 2013 7:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

North Carolina State turned to Brandon Mitchell as its starting quarterback in the season opener against Louisiana Tech only to lose the Arkansas transfer to an early left foot injury.

Mitchell directed the Wolfpack to touchdowns on the first two possessions before he was hurt when he was stopped on a third-and-1 keeper on his third series. Mitchell headed to the locker room and the school said he was doubtful to return. He returned to the sideline without his pads late in the first half, though he was on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

The school announced shortly before kickoff that Mitchell would start the first game of coach Dave Doeren's tenure. He had been competing with Colorado State junior transfer Pete Thomas, who took over after Mitchell's departure.