Northwestern quarterback Mike Wright (5) passes the ball against Duke...

Northwestern quarterback Mike Wright (5) passes the ball against Duke safety Jaylen Stinson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Evanston, Ill. Credit: AP/Matt Marton

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern is switching quarterbacks.

Jack Lausch will start this week when the Wildcats (1-1) host Eastern Illinois after Mike Wright struggled through the first two games, coach David Braun said on Monday.

Lausch has played in 10 games over two seasons and thrown for 78 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He lost a preseason competition for the starting job.

Wright, who spent last year at Mississippi State after three seasons at Vanderbilt, has just 334 yards passing with one interception and no TD passes. He also has run for a score.

Wright was shaky in a season-opening win over Miami (Ohio) — the first game at Northwestern's temporary lakefront stadium. He then struggled in an overtime loss at home to Duke on Friday, going 19 for 35 with 156 yards and an interception that led to a touchdown for the Blue Devils.

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