Avoiding what would have been two full weeks of questions and rumors, Doug Marrone ended the speculation about the quarterback situation before a controversy could even start. And he did it in the opening statement of his post-game press conference after a 34-13 loss to West Virginia. " I told Greg, he is our quarterback, he will start versus Akron, we'll get him settled down during this bye week" said Marrone.
Of course the speculation began after Ryan Nassib started the 2nd half at quarterback and Greg Paulus never returned. Nassib played well too, completing 7-16 passes for 120 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Paulus was 5-9 for 30 yards, no scores, and an interception that looked eerily similar to the one South Florida returned for six points. That in turn, set up the Mountaineers for a touchdown. Marrone stated he didn't like the way Paulus responded to questions the coaching staff was asking him during the game, saying it was uncharacteristic of the Paulus he's come to know. When asked how Paulus answered to the aforementioned interception, Marrone replied "he didn't have an answer for that"
Paulus is gracious in Marrone's confidence in him. " I appreciate the confidence (from) Coach Marrone and I'm going to do everything and everything I can to put this team in a good position" Paulus said.
The inserting of Nassib into the game followed a 5 interception game for Paulus in a 34-20 loss to South Florida. The Orange, as mentioned has an off week next weekend, but will return to action hosting Akron in the Carrier Dome October 24th.
