Ryan Burns named Stanford's starting QB for opener

David Shaw named Ryan Burns as Stanford's starting quarterback for its season opener.

The redshirt junior has been locked in what has been an even battle with redshirt sophomore Keller Chryst this offseason in the Cardinal's quest to replace Kevin Hogan, the winningest quarterback in program history.

Shaw said that Stanford has continued to reserve some packages for Chryst, and that both quarterbacks will see action when the Cardinal open their season at home on Sept. 2 against Kansas State.

"Ryan Burns will start and play a good chunk of the game," Shaw said. "Keller Chryst will play as well. We're going to play both guys and try to win a game."

But Burns will be Stanford's starter and is expected to see the majority of the action.

"There hasn't been a huge separation between the two," Shaw said. "Both guys have played extremely well. Ryan has been enough ahead to get the nod."

Burns, a 6-foot-5, 235-pounder from Leesburg, Va., has seen action in six career games as a back-up.