Not so unexpectedly, Arkansas will rely on its backup quarterback for its road trip to Piscataway this afternoon.
Brandon Allen suffered an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder in the win over Southern Miss last Saturday, with head coach Brent Bielema playing coy with the starter’s status throughout the week. That mystery was solved, however, as it was announced that Allen will be a no-go for the non-conference road game against Rutgers.
Allen will be replaced in the starting lineup by A.J. Derby, who filled following Allen’s injury a week ago. In his first meaningful playing time at the FBS level over the last couple of years, Derby completed four-of-six passes for 46 yards. Derby came to the Razorbacks from Iowa by way of the JUCO ranks.
Rutgers also has its own uncertainty at the quarterback position as starter Gary Nova suffered a concussion in the Scarlet Knights’ previous game and has been doubtful all week.
UPDATED 3:33 p.m. ET: Nova was medically cleared this morning and will start at quarterback for Rutgers.