Allegedly, West Virginia University (WVU) is facing a quarterback dilemma ahead of their upcoming game against Texas Tech. Coach Neal Brown has kept the starting quarterback a secret, creating uncertainty and making it difficult for the opposing team to prepare their defense.
Prior to WVU’s season opener against Penn State, coach Brown refused to name a starting quarterback until game day. While it was widely believed that Garrett Greene would start over Nicco Marchiol, the media was puzzled by Brown’s decision not to reveal it earlier. However, after Greene suffered an ankle injury and Marchiol led the team to victory in their previous game against Pitt, questions arose about who would take the field as the starting quarterback.
Coach Brown’s strategy of keeping the opposing team guessing has proven effective so far. By withholding information about the starting quarterback until late in the week or even on game day itself, he creates difficulties for opposing teams in preparing their defensive game plan. It is not just a matter of left-handed Marchiol or right-handed Greene; building a defensive strategy becomes much more challenging when you don’t know who will be leading the offense.
Despite expectations that Marchiol would start due to Greene’s injury, coach Brown threw a curveball by announcing that it would be a game-time decision. This unpredictability adds an extra layer of complexity for both teams. While there are no set rules for making such announcements, coach Brown emphasized that they would only play Greene if he can utilize his athleticism effectively.
The WVU players have expressed confidence in both quarterbacks. They believe that Marchiol is ready to step up whenever needed and are supportive of him taking on this role. If given the opportunity, Marchiol aims to build on his experience from the previous game against Pitt and benefit from a full week of practice with the first-team unit.
For WVU, proving themselves against Texas Tech is crucial if they want to advance during this season. The team is aware that Texas Tech has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, having beaten WVU four times in a row and winning the last two games at Mountaineer Field. This game presents an opportunity for WVU to defy expectations and showcase their potential in the Big 12 Conference.
Regardless of whether Marchiol or Greene starts, WVU’s running game will play a significant role. Against Pitt, WVU heavily relied on their rushing attack, with 51 rushing attempts compared to only 10 pass attempts. The success of the running game will largely depend on the performance of WVU’s veteran offensive line, which is considered the heart and soul of the offense. They are determined to prove themselves against Texas Tech’s strong defensive line.
In terms of defense, WVU faces a challenge in containing Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks. Coach Brown regards him as one of the best players in their league who often goes unnoticed. Brooks’ impressive performances against Tarleton State and WVU last year make him a formidable threat that cannot be underestimated.
To avoid disappointment, WVU must forget about last year’s poor performance against Texas Tech and focus on this upcoming game. Coach Brown acknowledges that it was one of the worst performances he has ever witnessed and emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes.
With both teams eager to secure a victory, this game between Texas Tech and WVU promises to be an exciting showdown. The outcome will not only determine each team’s standing but also provide valuable insights into their potential for success in the Big 12 Conference.
Source: (WVUs QB question still unanswered ahead of Texas Tech)(https://www.newsandsentinel.com/sports/local-sports/2023/09/wvus-qb-question-still-unanswered-ahead-of-texas-tech/)
