It’s official — junior Rocky Lombardi is the starting quarterback for Michigan State’s season-opener against Rutgers.
Lombardi beat out sophomore Theo Day and redshirt freshman Payton Thorne for the starting gig. New head coach Mel Tucker had kept the starter a mystery until kickoff on Saturday, saying earlier in the week that the “fierce competition” had yet to be determined.
Many felt Lombardi would be the starter, and that was even further supported when Lombardi was seen warming up pregame with the first unit — but it wasn’t official until Lombardi came out for the opening snap on Saturday.
This is Lombardi’s fourth career start at Michigan State, and his first since the 2018 season-finale against Rutgers. Lombardi completed 19 of 43 pass attempts for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception in that 14-10 victory over Rutgers in 2018. Lombardi is 2-1 in his previous three starts.
According to Chris Solari of The Detroit Free Press, Day and Thorne are also dressed for today’s game so don’t be surprised if we see either Day or Thorne play as well.
