Stanford names new starting quarterback

After standout quarterback Aaron Rodgers left Cal, they had a hard time replacing him.

Now, head coach of their bitter rival Stanford, David Shaw, has the unenviable task of trying to find someone to follow Andrew Luck.

After a hearty battle that started during winter drills, Shaw has settled on junior Josh Nunes. Sophomore Brett Nottingham will serve as the back-up.

Josh Nunes named #Stanford's starting qb over Brett Nottingham. Big job to replace Andrew Luck.

— Larry Beil (@LarryBeilABC7) August 21, 2012

Shaw explained his choice to San Jose Mercury News writer Jon Wilner:

“Over time, Josh was a little more consistent. It’s not about doing something outside the framework of the offense. It’s about consistency.”

Nunes, will carry the pressure of continuing Stanford’s success, but he knows that he has to play within his capabilities.

“The great thing is that the path has been laid here in how to be a successful quarterback at Stanford. But I am not Andrew Luck and by no means am going to try to be him.”

Nunes didn’t play at all during the 2011 season due to a foot injury. He played at the end of four games in 2010, but only threw the ball twice during his limited action. Nottingham got a chance to play during the season, appearing in six games as a redshirt freshman.

Nunes won’t be Andrew Luck 2.0, but he must do his best to continue the level of success Luck established. Stanford has made it to back-to-back BCS bowl games, and the Cardinal open the season ranked 21st in the AP Preseason Poll and 18th in the USA Today Coaches Poll.