Anthony Gordon named WSU’s starting QB

In three previous years at Washington State, Gordon has seen few chances to show his stuff, with a career line of 3-of-5 passing for 17 yards and one interception.

That figures to change Saturday in the No. 23 Cougars’ season opener as Gordon has been named the starting quarterback against New Mexico State.

Coach Mike Leach said Gordon beat out graduate transfer Gage Gubrud to start for the Cougars in the Air Raid offense.

Gordon has played better in practice than Gubrud, a star at FCS Eastern Washington who was granted a rare sixth year of eligibility this year and transferred to Washington State. Gubrud has been slowed by injuries in recent years.

Gordon emerged as the likely starter when he took about two-thirds of the reps during practice last week.

Over the past three years, Gordon has seen some tough competition under center. As a sophomore transfer, current Jets quarterback Luke Falk had a lock on the starting job and fell 31 yards shy of the program’s single-season passing record with 4,566, and his 2017 passing total cracked the Cougars’ all-time single-season top 10 wutg 3,593. Then last year, Gardner Minshew II stepped in and set the program record with 4,779 yards.

Kickoff Saturday night at Martin Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.