Iowa is sticking with Spencer Petras as its starting quarterback despite scoring just one touchdown through the first two games.

Coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday that Petras, a third-year starter who has faced increased scrutiny, will start Saturday against Nevada barring a setback in practice. The senior has completed 23 of 51 passes for 201 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns, earning a QBR of 3.4, which ranks second-lowest nationally. Iowa has been reluctant to go with Alex Padilla, who started three games last season while Petras was injured, and competed with Petras during the offseason.

"We obviously spent a lot of time looking at it, considering it, talking about it," Ferentz said. "It's really tough to give an honest evaluation right now. I've talked to Alex about the same thing. No matter who's in there right now, we've got some challenges, and we've got to work through those and try to improve in those, and then we'll have a fairer way to assess."

Iowa's offense has been hit hard by injuries, especially at the wide receiver position. The team has been down to two scholarship wide receivers, although Nico Ragaini and Keagan Johnson have returned to practice, and Ragaini could play against Nevada. Ferentz said it's difficult to fully evaluate any individual player.