GLENDALE - Veteran Anu Solomon will start at quarterback for Arizona in tonight's season opener against BYU at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Solomon, a redshirt junior, started 25 games over the past two seasons, throwing 48 touchdown passes. He missed time last season because of concussions, and UA coach Rich Rodriguez opened the competition in spring.
Solomon and redshirt sophomore Brandon Dawkins split first-team reps throughout spring and deep into fall practices. Rodriguez declined to publicly name a starter as recently as Wednesday, the last time he spoke with local media. Word trickled out that Solomon would get the nod about two hours before kickoff.
Solomon played in 11 games last season, passing for 2,655 yards - more than 1,000 less than the previous season. However, he improved his completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio and efficiency rating.
It remains to be seen whether Dawkins will get any playing time against the Cougars. Rodriguez did not rule out the possibility of using two quarterbacks.
Kickoff for tonight's game, scheduled for 7:30, will be at 7:45.
Be sure to check back at Tucson.com for updates before, during and after the game.
