Gary Nova or Chas Dodd: Who Will Start at QB for Rutgers Football?
Gary Nova or Chas Dodd: Who Will Start at QB for Rutgers Football?
Chas Dodd or Gary Nova? That is the question heading into 2012 for the Rutgers football program.
Their numbers are strikingly similar following the 2011 season. The sophomore Dodd threw for 1,574 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven picks, while Nova tossed for 1,553 yards with 11 scores and nine interceptions.
That is about as close as it gets in a QB battle, but new coach Kyle Flood has said that he wants one starter heading into the 2012 season.
This is in direct contrast from the coaching style of Greg Schiano who had no problem playing both QBs in 2011.
Who has the edge heading into fall camp?
Dodd Has More Experience
Chas Dodd has had more playing experience over the last two seasons, with career totals of 3,211 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 picks.
Heading into the 2012 Big East season under new coach Kyle Flood, it couldn't hurt the team's chances to go with the more experienced of the two quarterbacks—and that is Dodd.
In his junior season, he will be more polished in the pocket, and if the line protects him a bit better (o-line gave up 30 sacks a year ago), he will have a solid case to win the starting job in 2012.
Gary Nova Is the Hometown Kid
Elmwood Park, New Jersey is very close to the Rutgers campus—about 14 miles to be exact. So it's safe to say that Nova is the hometown kid in this QB battle.
As a Rutgers fan, you have to root for a kid like Nova—a talented local player who opted to stay close to home and play for the in-state school.
As a true freshman, he played pretty well, particularly against Navy (271 yards and two TDs) and Pittsburgh (174 yards and two scores).
You have to root for a player who has friends and family so close to campus, and with the QB battle up for grabs, you have to like his chances.
Dodd Is More Consistent
Against the West Virginia Mountaineers Gary Nova was horrible, completing just 39 percent of his passes and going 18-for-46 with two interceptions.
On the other hand, Dodd had a season completion percentage of 56.7 and had a season-high of 65.6 percent in a solid outing versus Ohio.
Also, he only had one game with more than one interception. As for Nova, he had four games with at least two INTs, including a game with three picks in a loss at Louisville.
Chas Dodd Led the Team to a Bowl Win
In the Pinstripe Bowl the Scarlet Knights faced Iowa State, and Dodd did a great job of managing the game on the way to a 27-13 victory. It is no secret that the bowl season harbors the biggest game of the year for any program, and Dodd was up to the task.
In the season finale, he threw for 176 yards and a score. The team ended the year with a 9-4 record, and a big reason for that was the play of the sophomore gunslinger down the stretch.
In the final five games of the season, Dodd led the team to a 4-1 record while tossing for 820 yards and four touchdowns.
My Pick: Chas Dodd Will Be the Starting QB
With more experience, solid numbers and a 2011 bowl win under his belt, Dodd has to be the starter in 2012. Nova is a very capable backup, but he showed too much inconsistency in 2011—albeit as a true freshman.
It is clear that neither QB has set themselves apart heading into fall camp, and this battle will likely last close to the season opener.
Although Dodd doesn't wow you with his passing numbers, he does a much better job taking care of the football and eliminating multiple interceptions.
Rutgers will be a solid team running the ball in 2012, and with Dodd under center playing more of a game manager, he gives the team a better chance to win.