Report: McLane Carter to start at QB vs. UMass

The mystery of who will start at quarterback for Rutgers on Friday night against UMASS appears to be over. James Kratch of N.J. Advance Media reported on Thursday night that per five sources, Carter be the first signal caller under center as the Scarlet Knights begin head coach Chris Ash’s fourth season.

Ash stated at Monday’s press conference that he would not make a formal announcement before the season opener.

There was speculation earlier this week that things were trending Carter’s way, but it also appears likely that sophomore Artur Sitkowski will see action in the opener. Ash even mentioned Boston College transfer Johnny Langan as a possibility in his presser, as they’ve designed a package of plays specifically for him since the spring.

Even though Carter is starting the opener, I think that the battle with him and Sitkowski will be decided during the first two weeks of action vs. UMASS and Iowa. With a bye coming the third week of the season, it gives the staff the option to play both and then commit to one during that extra week of practice.

Of course, it’s also possibly one of the two QB’s plays significantly better than the other tomorrow night and makes it clear he should be the guy.

We’ll find out Friday night. To read our game preview for tomorrow night, click here. For all of our game coverage of Rutgers vs. UMASS, click here.