What Would WVU Offense Look Like with Nicco Marchiol?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – No WVU fan wants to see Garrett Greene miss any time in 2024. But since Nicco Marchiol did have to play for Greene briefly in 2023, the question about what the West Virginia offense would look like with its backup quarterback exists.

While he’s confident Greene can have a big year, don’t count WVU offensive coordinator Chad Scott among those concerned about the offense if it has Marchiol under center. Scott says if Marchiol has to play this season, the staff would not have to change the playbook “one bit” or simplify the system at all.

While Marchiol did lead West Virginia to big wins against Pitt and Texas Tech last season, the coaching staff was open about having to reduce the plays for the redshirt freshman. Marchiol still struggled at times, throwing for only 247 yards with just two touchdown passes in 53 total pass attempts.

Ed Thompson / WVSN

Continuing the noticeable progress he made in the spring, Marchiol has looked sharp early in fall camp. Marchiol has appeared calmer and in more control of the offense during practices. Scott even brought up that Marchiol is more willing to offer his opinion on plays than he was in the past.

Marchiol’s development is part of why Scott is so confident in the 2024 Mountaineer offense in general.

“We’re a real contender,” said Scott without hesitation while talking about his offense after fall camp practice on Saturday. Scott then explained why he’s ready to go public with such a statement weeks away from the season kicking off.

“Guys are flying around confidently. Mistakes have been minimal,” he added about what he’s seen from Garrett Greene and the offense so far. Scott admitted that the offense didn’t look like this at this same point a year ago.

Scott says Greene and company made mistakes while trying to do too much during camp in 2023. However, he’s not seeing any of that this year. When pressed for why the WVU offense looks more polished and flawless at practice this year, Scott explained that it’s likely due to experience, either from having worked together as a group throughout a season or from the veteran additions being a perfect fit to the system.

Scott also added that he’s been able to put more on the offense during fall camp because of a solid spring and experienced gained last year.

Find more coverage of Nicco Marchiol at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Garrett Greene has only one goal in mind for the 2024 season.