WVU HC Neal Brown Dismisses Idea of QB Change for Play, Not Injury

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU head coach Neal Brown was noticeably agitated this week during his Monday press conference. After an uncharacteristically brief opening statement, Brown then snapped a bit at a question about the quarterback situation.

When asked if Greene’s recent play would warrant a change independent of health, Brown cut the question from WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti off and dismissed the thought as being legitimate.

“Did you watch the final two drives of the first half? He went 90+ yards twice. Next question,” said a clearly annoyed Brown.

“Did you watch the final two drives of the first half? He went 90+ yards twice. Next question.” – Brown to me exactly

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 21, 2024

Brown’s response isn’t too surprising when you consider the stress he’s under and the week he just endured. Most coaches aren’t going to publicly criticize a player either.

And while Brown also has a valid point – Greene did lead the offense on two long drives before half time – the question was also legitimate as well. Greene’s success before being forced to exit the Kansas State game came after he threw two costly interceptions, both of which led to seven points for the Wildcats.

It’s really not that big of a deal. He literally answered three more questions from me fine after that. I knew he wouldn’t like that question but it was on people’s mind. Greene was playing well at the end of half, but his mistakes earlier in the game were killers again. https://t.co/i5UG89W2Bh

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 21, 2024

Overall, Greene completed 9-of-19 for 85 yards passing in WVU’s 45-18 loss to Kansas State. He did run for 89 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per rush. Greene’s mistakes have also been present all season long. To follow up only throwing four picks throughout the entire 2023 season, Greene already has eight so far in 2024.

But regardless of Greene’s regression, his big play ability, athleticism and experience make him the best option when it comes to trying to win games this year. However, it’s very possible he can’t go on Saturday and Brown has to turn to Marchiol.

There was a noticeable dip in production from Greene to Marchiol on Saturday. Marchiol completed 6-of-13 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown while under center. He also had nine failed rushing attempts, resulting in zero yards on the ground. Both Brown and offensive coordinator Chad Scott admitted Marchiol had a rough week of practice larding up to the Kansas State game.

The 6-foot, 223 pound redshirt sophomore was a 2022 four-star recruit out of Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz.

Marchiol has 388 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions overall throughout his career as a Mountaineer. To this point, Marchiol’s best moments at WVU are leading the Mountaineers to a 2023 Backyard Brawl win after Greene left only a few plays into that game with an injury and then winning his first career college start against Texas Tech.

For a related story, Neal Brown provided updates on WVU’s injured players.