The Iowa State defense is prepared to face two different quarterbacks on Friday when the Cyclones take on Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium. Sophomore Chas Dodd started seven games and freshman Gary Nova started five during the Scarlet Knights’ 8-4 regular season.
I.S.U. linebacker Jake Knott says they don’t have to change up their defense because the styles of the two quarterbacks are similar. He says they both do a great job, so they are going to have to be ready for either. Knott says if you watch them on film you’d think they were the same guy if it weren’t for the different numbers they wear.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano says he may not decide on a starter until just prior to kickoff. He says both have shown signs at times that they should be the guy. Schiano says both deserve to play but he will go with the one that gives them the best chance to win.
“I’m just no sure that I know what the best choice is for the 30th of December,” Schiano says. Dodd has passed for 1,398 yards and nine touchdowns while Nova has 1,533 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air.
Iowa State finished the regular season 6-6.