College Flood Names Starting QB, Injury Report Update by Staff Post September 8, 2015 Head coach Kyle Flood named Chris Laviano the starting quarterback for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Monday afternoon during his press conference. “Chris Laviano is our starting quarterback,” Flood said. “…I don’t want any player in our program looking over their shoulder worried that they would be pulled out of a game because they made a mistake. Right now Chris is the starting quarterback.” Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano – Juan Martinez, Double G Sports After the convincing 63-13 win over Norfolk State, Flood didn’t rule out playing two quarterbacks going forward, but that seemed to change in a heartbeat. The redshirt sophomore Laviano was suspended for the first half due to a missed curfew, and classmate Hayden Rettig got the start. Rettig performed well, going for 9-11 passing with 110 yards scoring two touchdowns, one each in the air and on the ground. But, Laviano entered in the third quarter and had an immediate impact going 4-4 for 138 yards and three touchdowns to senior wide receiver Leonte Carroo. We’ll see if Flood continues to play the first quarterback he recruited as he makes his first career start Saturday as Rutgers (1-0) takes on Washington State (0-1) at 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU. If Laviano is having a horrible game, or stretch of games, it sounds like Flood will stick with his guy. This is evident from former quarterback Gary Nova’s six interception game against Kent State in 2012, and his five interceptions last year against Penn State. It could cause trouble if that case ever comes up as Rettig has made strides and certainly is no slouch of a talent. However, for the foreseeable future, Laviano will be the signal caller for the Scarlet Knights and his “body of work” from being the team’s backup last season, to strong performances during spring practice and training camp, and a solid outing this past weekend earned him the honor. In the five scrimmages since spring practice, Laviano has gone 49-for-72 for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns with only one interception. Rutgers quarterback Hayden Rettig/ Photo – Juan Martinez, Double G Sports Flood said Rettig, an LSU transfer was disappointed, but knows he’ll be ready. All in all, the decision could have gone either way as many fans were rooting for each quarterback, but cited that Rettig should start based on Laviano’s mishap of the missed curfew and use of a fake ID. You can’t argue with the numbers, though. In other news, an updated injury report still has Darius Hamilton missing the game against the Cougars after he sat out against Norfolk. Flood recently said he is “week-to-week”. Safety Kiy Hester, who was out last game, was upgraded to questionable. Hester although inexperienced as a redshirt freshman with no playing time, can provide depth to a secondary that will be tested against a pass-heavy attack in week two. Starting defensive end Djwany Mera is listed as questionable and could be a big loss as he is cited with a lower body injury. Full injury report: RB Paul James (Lower body): Probable CB Ronnie James (Lower body): Probable DE Kemoko Turay (Upper body): Probable SS Kiy Hester (Lower body): Questionable DE Djwany Mera (Lower body): Questionable WR John Tsimis (Lower body): Doubtful DB Brian Verbitski (Lower body): Doubtful CB Talib Abdur-Ra’oof (Lower body): Out TE George Behr (Lower body): Out P Tim Gleeson (Lower body): Out DT Darius Hamilton (Lower body): Out WR Jawuan Harris (Lower body): Out WR Dontae Owens (Lower body): Out RB Desmon Peoples (Upper body): Out LB Nick Rafferty (Upper body): Out LB Austin Rosa (Lower body): Out RB Charles Snorweah (Upper body): Out OL Jacquis Webb (Lower body): Out LB T.J. Taylor (Knee): Out for season Post Views: 1,258 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Staff Post Latest posts by Staff Post (see all) In The Zone Announces Initial Podcast Lineup - November 13, 2020 The Essential Resources You Need to Start Your Own Gym in 2020 - February 6, 2020 Wilder vs Fury II – How the second fight will be different to the first? - February 5, 2020 Early turnovers, defensive struggles plague the Scarlet Knights - January 26, 2020 Related TopicsChris LavianoHayden RettigKyle FloodRutgersRutgers Football Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Whoop Rewards Employees With $100 Each Month To Sleep by Inesh Chari | posted on March 22, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 106: Newsday’s Neil Best (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 12, 2021 More in College You Know I’m Right, Episode 107: New York Post’s Columnist Mike Vaccaro (Audio/Video) On the 107th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Master P’s Son, Hercy, Commits to Tennessee State Master P’s son, Hercy Miller, is committing to Tennessee State to play basketball. While... EA Sports Plans to Revive College Football Video Game EA Sports announced that they plan on making college football video games again. The... UVM Women’s Basketball Team Quits 2020-2021 Season The University of Vermont (UVM) women’s basketball will be ending their 2020-2021 season early... Fordham of FCS Shocks FBS’s Army Rutgers Football Head Coach Kyle Flood Said Perception of Program Has Not Changed