Chris Ash pulled no punches in his weekly press conference, announcing that there is a new starting quarterback not just against Minnesota, but moving forward the rest of the season. The open competition that Ash and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer mentioned on Saturday closed quickly.

Whoa. Ash announces that Gio will be the starting QB. #Rutgers — Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) October 17, 2016

There were actually no changes to the official depth chart at the quarterback position, but that is irrelevant. Ash made it clear Gio Rescigno is starting “going forward” and the position will no longer be a “revolving door”. The redshirt sophomore was 10 for 18 in pass attempts for 120 yards, as well as 1 touchdown and 1 interception during the second half of Saturday’s loss to Illinois. He led Rutgers to their first score in over 13 quarters and moved the offense better than it had in weeks. This will be the first game Chris Laviano hasn’t started since the 2015 season opener against Norfolk State, ending a streak of 18 straight.

On the defensive side of the ball, Saquan Hampton is back at the starting free safety spot, with Kiy Hester backing him up along with K.J. Gray. Hampton returned against Illinois after missing five straight games due to injury. Hester missed last week after getting injured the week before against Michigan.

OFFENSE

QB: Gio Rescigno / Chris Laviano OR Zach Allen

RB: Robert Martin / Josh Hicks OR Justin Goodwin

TE: Nick Arcidiacono / Matt Flanagan

WR: Jawuan Harris / John Tsimis

WR: John Tsimis / Vance Matthews

WR: Andre Patton / Carlton Agudosi

LT: Tariq Cole / Zack Heeman

LG: Dorian Miller / Zach Venesky

C: Derrick Nelson / Jonah Jackson

RG: Chris Muller / Marcus Applefield

RT: J.J. Denman / Kamaal Seymour

Notes: Gio Rescigno will make the first start of his career against Minnesota and is just the third game he will play in this season...John Tsimis had his best game of the season against Illinois, registering 5 receptions for 39 yards.

DEFENSE

DE: Darnell Davis / Jimmy Hogan OR Ron’Dell Carter

NT: Sebastian Joseph / Kevin Wilkins

DT: Darius Hamilton / Jon Bateky

DE: Julian Pinnix-Odrick /Myles Nash

WLB: Trevor Morris / Eric Margolis

MLB: Deonte Roberts / Kevin Marquez

SLB: Tyreek Maddox-Williams / Ronnie James

CB: Isaiah Wharton / Ross Douglas

FS: Saquan Hampton / Kiy Hester OR K.J. Gray

SS: Anthony Cioffi / Lawrence Stevens

CB: Blessuan Austin / Damon Hayes

Notes: Trevor Morris and Deonte Roberts combined for 16 tackles in the loss to Illinois, despite being limited in practice last week....Saquan Hampton will make his first start since the season opener against Washington.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: David Bonagura / Jared Smolar

P: Michael Cintron / Tim Gleeson

LS: Alan Lucy / Matthew Sportelli