Northern Iowa will start a freshman at quarterback for the first time since 1949. U-N-I coach Mark Farley announced Monday that Tom Petrie will start Thursday night’s season opener at home against Wayne State of Michigan. The Plymouth, Minnesota native won a three-man battle for the job.Farley says at 6-3, Petrie has also shown the ability to run the ball and made the best adjustments in practice. Farley says Petrie has been consistent since spring drills and that’s allowed him to stay in control.Farley says the coaching staff will allow Petrie to grow into the position. He says they’ll expect him to make mistakes, and they won’t have a quick hook to pull him out.