The Temple Owls may have found their starting quarterback going forward. During the team’s game against Army, Coach Collins elected to start Frank Nutile over Logan Marchi. In recent weeks, Marchi had been struggling mightily. After starting the first 3 games of the season without an interception, he has thrown 8 in the last 4 games. Marchi seemed to be getting his footing following an impressive showing against East Carolina, but after falling to a previously winless Uconn team and an apparent “lower extremity” injury, Coach Collins made the change.
Insert Frank Nutile. Nutile received his first career start against the Army Black Knights on October 21st. In a game few thought Temple would compete in, Nutile carried the team to a photo finish. The junior QB was solid throughout the entirety of the game. He threw for 290, 1 touchdown and put up an impressive 164.3 rating. He also completed 69% of his passes missing on just 9 throws. The best part of Nutile’s game was his 0 interceptions, which the team has not seen since week 3. Unfortunately, the Owls were unable to secure a victory despite Nutile’s efforts.
Now the question becomes, will Nutile be the starter from here on out? Offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude is still unsure. Tom Ignudo of Temple News caught up with Patenaude to ask about the quarterback position.
“You can’t have an honest evaluation on it until you get in there and watch the tape and make an evaluation of where he is and where Logan’s health is.”
Despite what Patenaude says, it seems like it would be wise to roll with Nutile for at least one more game. The Owls will be facing the Midshipmen of Navy next week. Navy is similarly ranked to that of Army with both teams giving up over 350 yards a game. However, Navy is ranked 62nd overall in passing yards allowed. This is a considerable drop-off from Army’s 48th ranking, which could be the making of the perfect storm for Nutile. If he does get the start, he has the opportunity of cashing in on an average pass defense to cement his claim as starting quarterback.
No matter who steps out as starting quarterback this Thursday, they need to ensure Temple does not lose their 3rd consecutive game.
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