Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason announced Thursday that sophomore Patton Robinette will start at quarterback in next week’s season opener against Temple.

Robinette was in a three-player race with LSU transfer Stephen Rivers and redshirt freshman Johnny McCrary for the job. Robinette started three games last season, completing 46 of 88 passes for 642 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 214 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 carries.

“I’m excited for Patton as we prepare this team for the season opener next Thursday,” Mason said. “Patton has really made strides and consistently improved from the spring to now. I believe he has worked to earn this opportunity. We have three solid guys at the position now, along with the talented freshmen. Johnny and Stephen are very capable quarterbacks and both worked hard to make a strong case for the starting role. They made this a difficult decision.”

Earlier Thursday, McCrary posted on his Instagram account that he will handle third-string duties.