Northwestern names Clayton Thorson starting quarterback

Northwestern has decided on Clayton Thorson as its starting quarterback, head coach Pat Fitzgerald announced Thursday.

The redshirt freshman fended off senior Zack Oliver and sophomore Matt Alviti to claim the job.

Thorson's mobility may have given him an edge in the competition to run the Wildcats' spread offense, which finished a disappointing 88th in the nation through the air last season.

Northwestern is coming off back-to-back 5-7 seasons after an impressive 10-3 campaign in 2012, and Thorson will be tasked with leading the squad back to a bowl game in 2015.