Austin, Texas ? Garrett Gilbert has earned a second chance to be the starting quarterback at Texas.

The junior who threw 17 interceptions as Texas went 5-7 last season was announced Monday as the starter for the Longhorns’ season opener Saturday night at home against Rice.

Gilbert won a four-way battle for the job in new coordinator Bryan Harsin’s offense. The Longhorns threw the position open after Texas had one of its worst offensive seasons in 20 years in 2010 and Gilbert wound up throwing for just 10 touchdowns.

The question now is just how strong of a hold does he have on the job?

“He’s the starting quarterback at Texas. If he moves the ball and scores, he’ll keep it,” coach Mack Brown said.