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Gio Rescigno to Start at QB For Rutgers Against Minnesota

(Photo by Double G Media)

(Photo by Double G Media)

 

After 18 straight starts, Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano is headed to the sidelines. On Monday, head coach Chris Ash named Gio Rescigno the teams’ starting quarterback ahead of their game against Minnesota.

Rescigno replaced Laviano after halftime on Saturday in the Scarlet Knights loss to Illinois. In the defeat, Rescigno was 10-for-18 passing for 120 yards with a touchdown and interception. He also ran 12 times for 37 yards.

The three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Arcidiacono in the fourth quarter ended the Scarlet Knights streak of 11 scoreless quarters.

As Rescigno entered the game, it appeared as though the energy of the team as well as the High Point Solutions Stadium crowd increased. The offense was finally moving the ball and creating some plays. Rutgers had pulled within 10 points of the Fighting Illini with just under 12 minutes to go. Momentum had swung, and while watching the game you got a sense that the Scarlet Knights had a chance at a comeback.

Take chance took a hit however when a pass from Rescigno was deflected into the hands of Illinois defender Darius Mosley who returned it for a touchdown and essentially put the game out of reach.

Ash and the rest of the staff needed to make a change. While the offensive struggles do not fall solely on Laviano, the unit appeared to be stalled and in need of a spark. In the past four games, Rutgers has scored just 14 total points,

This season, Laviano has completed 70 of 145 pass attempts for 748 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He has struggled to completely handle the new offensive system under Ash and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer. Rescigno has a bit more mobility and may just be able to provide Rutgers a spark down the stretch running the power spread.

In addition to Laviano and Rescigno, Rutgers has also used Zach Allen and Tylin Oden at quarterback this season. Injured wide receiver Janarion Grant has also lined at quarterback a handful of times.

 

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