Dana Holgorsen Confident in Backup QB Chris Chugunov
With Will Grier out, WVU has to turn to its backup for a trip to Norman, Oklahoma. Don’t lose faith. Dana Holgorsen confident in backup QB Chris Chugunov.
“Having first team reps is going to help any quarterback feel more comfortable,” Holgorsen said. “We feel good about Chugs. I thought he played hard and battled hard.”
After Will Grier was knocked out of the game when breaking his finger while diving for the pylon, Chugunov was thrusted into the lineup. He went 14 of 26 for 189 yard sand a touchdown passing.
The more the game went along, the more comfortable Chugunov got. He was able to lead a 51-yard non-scoring drive and a 76-yard touchdown drive.
“Texas is probably the best defense we played all year,” Holgorsen said. “They put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. I thought he went in there and managed things really well.”
Many are wondering where Chugunov came from. He was an all-state quarterback in the state of New Jersey. In his senior year he threw for 6,308 yards and 47 touchdowns, leading his team to the state runner-up. So there has to be some potential in that arm. He needs to develop quickly after being forced into action with the Grier injury.
Here are some highlights from his senior season.
A trip to Norman to face the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners is not an ideal start for a first start, but there is no choice. The Chugs era is under way on Saturday. He has an incredible opportunity in this spot.