COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : Vargas Replaces Gatlin for Nevada

In the aftermath of Nevada’s inauspicious Division I debut, Chris Vargas has taken over from Fred Gatlin as starting quarterback.

Gatlin is 30-7 as a starter since becoming Nevada’s No. 1 quarterback in the third game of his freshman year, but he was replaced by Vargas with 3:40 left in the second quarter of Wyoming’s 25-6 victory over the Wolf Pack last Saturday.

Vargas completed 27 of 48 passes fro 251 yards but threw three interceptions in the game. Gatlin was five of nine for 91 yards and an interception.

“We could make the same change this week if Varg isn’t moving the team, but Varg will remain the starter and Fred will be the backup,” Coach Chris Ault said.

“There won’t be any need to ask the same question next week because Chris will remain the starter. We set up several scenarios two weeks ago of what we would do with the quarterback position.”

Vargas started the final two games of last year, including the season-ending playoff loss to Youngstown State, but Ault went back to Gatlin this season after the two were nearly even in scrimmages.