Rutgers to give QB Sitkowski another chance

PISCATAWAY >> Indiana leads the Big Ten in turnover defense. Up next is miscueplagued Rutgers.

The Hoosiers will face embattled freshman quarterback Art Sitkowski on Saturday when they travel to Rutgers to face the reeling Scarlet Knights, who have lost three straight games by wide margins.

After beating Texas State in the opener, Sitkowski has not finished his last three starts. He was hurt against No. 4 Ohio and relieved by senior Gio Rescigno in losses to Kansas and Buffalo.

Many thought Rutgers coach Chris Ash would start Rescigno this week instead of turnover-prone Sitkowski.

“Art is going to be our quarterback,” Ash said after Thursday’s practice. “Art’s been our starting quarterback. We have never wavered from that, but we always will evaluate every position when we’re not having success. We’ve done that, and Art is still our quarterback.”

The Hoosiers (3-1, 0-1) won their first three games largely by forcing turnovers.

They lead the Big Ten conference with nine takeaways and are ranked No. 7 nationally. They’re also scored 31 points off those turnovers. Sitkowski has thrown seven interceptions, three of which have been returned for touchdowns. Rescigno has one interception in mop-up duty. Rutgers has lost four fumbles.

Indiana senior safety Jonathan Crawford is the leader of the pack. He’s had a hand in 18 turnovers during his four seasons in Bloomington, including three this season. He has one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and nine career interceptions.