By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
There is not quarterback battle in Morgantown after week one. But that doesn’t mean other quarterbacks won’t get playing time as the season progresses.
West Virginia’s starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol was nearly perfect throwing the ball against Robert Morris on Saturday competing 85% of his throws completing 17 passes on 20 attempts including a 46-yard touchdown pass to Cam Vaughn. He finished with 224 yards through the air and capped it off with 13 rushes for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Pro Football Focus took note and gave him a 93.6 grade over the 61 snaps he took on Saturday.
Marchiol stated after the win that he knew earlier in the week that he would get the star for the Mountaineers.
Rodriguez even noted after the press conference how well Marchiol understood the offense and his feel for the game.
“He showed it during practice. He was the most consistent. Understood the offense, got a feel for the game, and he’s a gritty player. All the quarterbacks run pretty good, and they’re all willing runners, but Nicco’s a competitive guy. He’ll do what he’s got to do to win the game.”
Although the offense struggled with four fumbles, three being recovered by the Colonials, West Virginia took a 10-3 lead into the half. A more aggressive team came out in the second half scoring 38 unanswered points in route to a 45-3 win.
West Virginia will go on the road next week to Ohio, who almost had a comeback win against Rutgers.
Photo: WVU Athletics
