Rutgers goes with sophomore Nova at QB
Rutgers coach Kyle Flood named sophomore Gary Nova the Scarlet Knights' starting quarterback after a competition with Chas Dodd.
"We are fortunate to have two talented quarterbacks who have won big games for us," Flood said. "This has been an excellent competition, but Gary's body of work ultimately won him the job."
Rutgers begins the season Sept. 1 at Tulane.
Nova started five games last season and is the better physical specimen -- he's mobile at 6-2, 225 pounds, with a stronger arm -- but was inconsistent last season as coach Greg Schiano rotated his quarterbacks and wasn't afraid to make changes week to week.
Nova nailed down the job Saturday with three touchdown passes in a team scrimmage. Two of his TD tosses were charted as explosive plays -- a 60-yard throw to Mark Harrison and a 75-yard pass to Miles Shuler.
Flood was named head coach after Schiano left to become head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He said he plans to practice patience with his quarterbacks rather than pulling the trigger at the first sign of struggle.
Dodd started eight games last season as a sophomore.
