The Rutgers University football program put its quarterback situation to rest Monday as its head coach Greg Schiano announced that true freshman Gary Nova will start his third straight game Friday night at the University of Louisville (8 p.m. on ESPN2). Despite throwing for a collegiate-best 271 yards with two touchdowns and helping the Scarlet Knights (5-1, 2-0 Big East) collect their fourth straight victory Saturday, a 21-20 squeaker over Navy, Schiano was unsure if Nova, who also tossed two ill-advised interceptions, or sophomore Chas Dodd would get the nod this week.
However, Schiano looked at the game film and decided that Nova was the best option.
"I thought Gary performed well," Schiano said. "He made some mistakes that were costly but he also made some plays that were incredible. We gotta eliminate the mistakes and keep making those great plays. Again, we’ll evaluate but I would anticipate Gary would go again (at Louisville)."
Schiano did admit that he would like to see Dodd, who hasn't played since being benched in RU's victory over Syracuse University, Oct. 1, get some action Friday so he can stay sharp.
Did Schiano make the right move? On Sunday, SB Nation New York expressed its opinion on the Rutgers quarterback situation.