PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — When Gary Nova was last seen on the football field in meaningful action, the Rutgers quarterback was a shell of the gunslinger that began his first season starting with so much promise.
Nova was looking for answers after his late-season slump coincided with the Scarlet Knights dropping their final three games, including a 20-17 home setback to Louisville that cost them their first BCS berth, and a 13-10 overtime loss to Virginia Tech in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Nova struggled in both contests, completing just 44 percent of his passes with three interceptions. He then had to defend why he should be the unquestioned starter heading into what figured to be a tumultuous offseason.
But as a result of a solid spring camp and an even better preseason, Nova has renewed confidence as Rutgers opens the season Thursday night at Fresno State.
