PULLMAN, Wash. -- Longtime backup quarterback Anthony Gordon has been named the starter for No. 23 Washington State heading into Saturday's season opener against New Mexico State.

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

Gordon saw little playing time the past three years as a backup. He has completed 3 of 5 passes for 17 yards and one interception.

But he 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.