(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Anyone looking for a decision on Rutgers' starting quarterback next week against Navy found it: Gary Nova will remain under center, head coach Kyle Flood said Sunday in his day-after conference call.

After leading the Big Ten in pass efficiency through two weeks, Nova went 15-for-30 on Saturday night for 192 yards and five interceptions in a loss against Penn State.

Flood, who named Nova his permanent starter in 2012, has continued to stick by the senior. He won Rutgers' quarterback competition going away in training camp before lapses resurfaced Saturday night.

“I don’t think it was one of his better performances," Flood said. "We didn’t give him enough help up front. We didn't run the ball effectively. We didn’t protect effectively. … I don’t think Gary did a good enough job making decisions with the football.”

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Of Nova's five interceptions, the only one Flood found issue with came on an underneath zone coverage when he targeted Leonte Carroo. Penn State's Brandon Bell dropped into his zone and took away the slant.

Without an effective run game, Penn State drew Rutgers into obvious passing downs, magnifying Nova's issues. He'll get another chance in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I just didn't feel like we were getting the efficiency the run game like we needed to," Flood said. "It’s just not enough consistency. There were times when we ran the ball effectively, but then we had some negative plays.”