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LOGAN, Utah (AP) -- Utah State quarterback Riley Nelson will make his first start Saturday when the winless Aggies host Fresno State.
Nelson, a freshman from Logan who has thrown just three passes, will replace Leon Jackson III, coach Brent Guy said Monday.
"We feel like at this point, we have got to give Riley a chance to see if he can manage the game better for us," Guy said.
Jackson has completed 55 of 113 passes with six interceptions and one touchdown. The Aggies (0-5) didn't score an offensive touchdown until Saturday, when they lost to Idaho 41-21.
Nelson completed all three passes he threw and passed for 50 yards against Idaho in his first college game. He's going right from making his playing debut to starting against the Bulldogs (1-3), who have lost three in a row.
"I expect them to bring the house, but I think we will be ready for it," Nelson said.
This was the second major announcement from Guy in a week. Last Monday offensive coordinator Mike Santiago resigned after Utah State's offense was shut out through the first four games. The Aggies are averaging just 204.6 yards of offense this season.
"We can't say Riley Nelson is the savior of our program and put that pressure on," Guy said. "We think Riley is a component that maybe can help us win a football game."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-10-02-06 1729MDT
