Pittsburgh has its starting quarterback named for the season opener against West Virginia, just a week ahead of when the Panthers play Tennessee.

Coach Pat Narduzzi named Southern Cal transfer Kedon Slovis as the starting quarterback for next week’s game against the Mountaineers in Pittsburgh. Slovis will replace ACC Player of the Year Kenny Pickett, who is now in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Slovis beat out Nick Patti, who was Pickett’s backup.

Slovis last year was a Heisman Trophy contender with the Trojans, but he struggled to find any rhythm. He passed for 2,153 yards with 11 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 9 games before he suffered a leg injury that ended his season.

In a game rich with storylines, even for SEC fans, Slovis face his former offensive coordinator (Graham Harrell) and teammate JT Daniels, the former Georgia quarterback, in the opener in what should be a very entertaining Backyard Brawl.