The university announced Friday that last season’s record-setting quarterback, Dwight Dasher will be ineligible for the game, because of a NCAA violation. Now, Blue Raider head coach Rick Stockstill has to start a quarterback that has no Division I game experience, sophomore Logan Kilgore who is a junior college transfer.

Kilgore spent 2009 at Bakersfield College in California, in which he lead the school to a 10-2 record and passed for 2,512 yards and 22 touchdowns. His performance earned him the National Northern Conference Offensive MVP. He is listed at six feet, three inches and was rated a three-star recruit by several organizations.

“He won the job, because he was more consistent during practice,” MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill said. “I just felt more comfortable with Logan.” Stockstill added that he is a positive person and a good leader.

While, Dasher is known for his rushing ability like current Tennessee Titans quarterback, Vince Young. Kilgore is more a traditional pocket passer like Titans backup single caller Kerry Collins.

Stockstill also said during Monday’s Sun Belt media conference call, that Kilgore can make most of the throws, and he is a good runner. Not many changes will be made to the offensive game plan.

Last season, Dasher was the fourth player in NCAA history to throw for at least 2,500 yards and rush for over 1,000. Stockstill mentioned only a few changes will be made to the offense.

Most of the rushing load will go to a deep backfield, which welcomes back senior Phillip Tanner into the fold. Tanner returns after missing most of last season because of an injury.

“The hardest thing to deal with is the anxiousness,” Tanner said of his upcoming comeback. “It is fun to get back out there with a great group of guys. Playing with an injury is the last thing on my mind. I go out and give 100 percent and laugh and have a good time. I am excited about Thursday night.”

Thursday’s contest against the Golden Gophers marks the first time since 2000 that MTSU has faced a Big Ten opponent. That was a 35-6 loss to Illinois on Sept. 2 of that year. The Blue Raiders have all-time 0-2 record against current members of the Big Ten, both against the Fighting I (check spelling)

The coaching staff does have some experience of preparing a game plan to face Minnesota from the previous season.

MTSU will be breaking in two new coordinators, but both of them spent last season coaching in the Big Ten. Offensive Coordinator Mike Schultz held the same position at Illinois last year, while defensive coordinator Randall McCray coached the safeties at Wisconsin. Both teams knocked off Minnesota during the 2009 campaign.

Senior defensive tackle Dwight Smith said McCray will use his knowledge of the program to help the Blue Raider prepare for the upcoming game.

“Coach McCray has a lot of knowledge about what Minnesota is going to come in here and do,” Smith said. “I think the game plan is based off his knowledge and his experience of playing them.”

The Golden Gophers finished last season with a 6-7 record and a one-point loss in the Insight Bowl to Iowa State. However, most preseason predictions have Minnesota finishing near the bottom of the Big Ten.

Senior Adam Weber, who is the school’s all-time leading passer, makes his return, with new offensive coordinator Jeff Horton. Weber’s two top offensive targets from last season, wide receiver Eric Decker and tight end Nick Tow-Arnett are no longer with the team. Sophomore backup quarterback MarQueis Gray might see some time at the wide out position.

Minnesota offensive line has a combined 97 starts and Smith mentioned it will be a challenge for the undersized Blue Raider defensive front seven.

“The Big in the Big Ten is true,” Smith said. “They have big players, but we take it as a challenge. People see our height and weight and think we are going to roll over. We take it and play with a chip. They are a great offensive line who welcomes back all of their returning starters. I feel if we play correct technique, we can have some success.”

Of the 17 offensive lineman listed on Minnesota’s roster, 15 are at least 6-3, and 11 weigh over 300 pounds.

While on the defensive side, Minnesota had to replace several new starters from last year. The only two returning ones from last season, safeties Kim Royston and Kyle Theret might miss Thursday’s contest. Royston broke his leg during spring practice, but could return in time for the matchup. Theret was suspended indefinitely after being cited for a DWI during the spring, according to the St.Paul Pioneer Press.

Thursday’s game kicks off at 6:35 p.m. at Floyd Stadium, and it will be shown on ESPNU.