Despite tossing an interception in Rutgers' intra-squad scrimmage Saturday, sophomore quarterback Gary Nova looked sharp and composed throughout the practice.
Nova’s performance may have given him a slight edge over junior Chas Dodd in the Scarlet Knights' starting quarterback battle, the Newark Star-Ledger reported. Nova finished 14-of-20 for 153 yards, according to the Star-Ledger’s unofficial statistics. He added a seven-yard touchdown to running back Jawan Jamison on a pass in the flat.
Dodd had less passing opportunities and took fewer shots downfield. The junior quarterback finished 8-of-17 for 90 yards and two touchdowns, the Star-Ledger reported. The close battle is expected to drag on for the majority of preseason camp. Nova and Dodd produced nearly identical statistics in 2011. In 10 games, Nova threw for 1,553 yards and 11 TDs. Dodd appeared in one game less, but threw for 21 yards more. The two quarterbacks combined for 16 interceptions –- nine by Nova and seven from Dodd.
Jamison finished with 13 carries for 67 yards, while sophomore running back Savon Huggins had 49 yards on 12 rushes. Freshman running back Desmon Poole appeared elusive while receiving most of his reps with the third-team, the Star-Ledger reported. The Scarlet Knights averaged just 2.8 yards per carry in 2011.
Cards to depend on running back by committee
Kenny Carter doesn’t expect one of Louisville’s top four running backs to emerge as the featured runner, the Cardinals running back coach Kenny Carter told the Louisville Courier-Journal following Saturday’s scrimmage.
Louisville has experimented with a four-headed monster at running back throughout preseason camp. All four runners –- juniors Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright and Senorise Perry and freshman Corvin Lamb –- possess unique attributes that could help diversify the offense in the upcoming season. At least three of the four backs have the potential to start, Carter told the Courier-Journal. Brown, the Cardinals’ leading returning rusher, had 533 yards in 2011.
UConn QB McCummings returns to practice
Scott McCummings excused absence from Connecticut’s preseason camp turned out to be brief. McCummings missed Friday’s practice but returned in time for Saturday’s practice, the Hartford Courant reported.
McCummings, who’s listed as No. 3 on the Huskies' depth chart, is expected to see action this season in Wildcat situations. UConn is extremely deep at quarterback. Senior Johnny McEntee, the 2011 starter, is currently the No. 2 quarterback. Casey Cochran, a highly recruited freshman, is expected to have a cast removed from his left wrist the week before the regular season opener, according to the Courant.
Panthers DB Pitts impressive in scrimmage
Pittsburgh DB Lafayette Pitts had a standout performance in Saturday’s scrimmage with several pass breakups and a jarring hit on wide receiver Ronald Jones. The redshirt freshman is making a bid for a starting cornerback spot, vacated by All-Big East performer Antwaun Jones.
“I just made my reads,” Pitts said. “I just drove to the ball and the ball brought me to the man. It was my biggest hit so far. Jones saw me coming; he knew I was there at least.”
Pitt returns three starters from a secondary that ranked fourth in pass defense (233.7 yards per game) last season in the Big East.
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