EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Junior quarterback Jeff Lockie will make his first career start for No. 12 Oregon on Saturday against Georgia State.
Lockie takes over for Vernon Adams, who didn’t start because of a broken index finger on his throwing hand. Adams said the finger bothered him last weekend late in the Ducks’ 31-28 loss to No. 4 Michigan State.
The crowd at Autzen Stadium responded with hearty applause when Lockie was announced as the starter during pregame warmups. Adams, who was in uniform and participated in warmups, was expected to be available.
Lockie was Marcus Mariota’s backup last season, completing 21 of 28 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He performed well in the spring game this year, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
Lockie competed for the starter’s job in with Adams, a senior transfer who arrived late because of a class he needed to complete his degree at Eastern Washington.