Sophomore MJ Morris is the NC State's new starting quarterback, replacing Brennan Armstrong, the graduate transfer from Virginia who has started the first five games of the season for the Wolfpack.
Head coach Dave Doeren announced the change Monday morning ahead of NC State's nonconference game with Marshall.
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The move comes after NC State (3-2) failed to score in the second half of Friday night's 13-10 home loss to Louisville. Armstrong was intercepted two times and lost a fumble in the game. Fans were calling for Morris, who planned to redshirt the season, during that game.
"It's clear that we need a spark on that side of the ball, and MJ Morris is going to take over as our starting quarterback," Doeren said at his weekly press conference. "He is ready to lead the offense. ... Plans sometimes need to change. The time is now because it's what's best for our team. MJ's excited for the opportunity lead the football team. I do believe that he's ready."
The 6-foot-2 Morris played in five games last year as a freshman. He completed 52 of 86 passes for 648 yards and seven touchdowns. He threw one interception. Morris threw three touchdowns in victories against Wake Forest and Virginia Tech.
Morris missed time down the stretch with an injury as NC State started four different quarterbacks in 2022.
Doeren said he watched the Louisville game several times on Saturday and discussed it with offensive coaches. On Sunday, he made the decision to switch quarterbacks and met with both.
"This is the right time to do this for the football team," Doeren said.
NC State is 77th in the nation in total offense, averaging 381.2 yards per game. The Wolfpack has not scored more than 24 points in a game against an FBS team this season.
NC State scored 24 points in a win against Connecticut, a loss to Notre Dame and a win against Virginia. The Wolfpack scored 45 points in a blowout victory against VMI.
"For what this team needs, it needs a spark and I do believe MJ can be that for our offense," Doeren said. "But let me make this clear, changing the quarterback, everyone has to be better. This isn't throwing Brennan under the bus and pinning it on him. It's the opposite. It starts with me and I own that. Everyone has to be what changes."
Armstrong enjoyed a breakout season in 2021 at Virginia under current NC State offensive coordinator Robert Anae, who joined the Wolfpack staff in the offseason. Armstrong followed to Raleigh as a transfer with hopes that the pair could rekindle their success from two years ago when Armstrong threw for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns.
But Armstrong completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes in the first five games and tossed more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (five). He has been dangerous and effective as a rusher, leading the team in rushing in four of five games this season.
Doeren said Armstrong handled the news "as well as you can hope" and that he would be the backup quarterback.
"My respect for him has always been high," Doeren said.