Temple football put forth a number of interesting plot lines following their loss against the University of Southern Florida. The most noticeable of these has been a recurring question throughout the season — who should be Temple’s starting quarterback.
Following the team’s previous win against the University of Massachusetts, the Owls seemed to be set with their quarterback. Logan Marchi finally seemed to becoming acclimated with his receivers and the offense. Then, against USF, he took a massive step backwards. After a poor start highlighted by 2 early interceptions, head coach Geoff Collins elected to replace Marchi with redshirt-senior Frank Nutile. Then, after a so-so start from Nutile, the team elected rotate quarterbacks regularly not allowing either to get into the swing of the game.
Marchi struggled to start the game, and throughout the rotation role added another interception and fumble to his mounting turnover list. The stat line at the end of the game was forgettable- completing 3 of 13 passes for 32 yards and 3 interceptions. Nutile also struggled throwing for 57 yards on 5 of 13 attempts with 1 interception.
Now the question becomes, who will be the quarterback of the future for Owls? Obviously Temple could go back to Marchi, but one must question his confidence following his benching. Still, Marchi has the most experience of all the quarterbacks. Nutile is another candidate due to his comfortability when thrown into the game. If Collins decides to make a long-term move he may decide to start either Anthony Russo or Todd Centeio. Both are freshmen (Russo is a redshirt) and offer different, high-upside playing styles. By starting either of these quarterbacks, the coaching staff could establish the starter of the future. At the end of the day, the Owls will most likely start Marchi with a short-leash going forward.
Whoever the quarterback may be, the Owls need to bounce-back with the Houston Cougars coming to town this Saturday at 12 PM.
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