Marshall Football: 2011 QB Preview, best/worst case scenario

As we inch closer to Marshall’s first game at WVU on September 3rd the Marshall Thundering Blog is breaking down the Herds roster position by position, giving you the best and worst case scenarios for each. Our first preview will focus on the quarterbacks.

2010 Stats:

Brian Anderson: 2,358 YDS, 218 CMP, 384 ATT, 56.8 CMP%, 20 TD, 15 INT

Eddie Sullivan: 134 YDS, 6 CMP, 24 ATT, 25 CMP%, 1 TD, 0 INT

A.J Graham: 95 YDS, 10 CMP, 12 ATT, 83.3 CMP%, 1TD, 0 INT

Departed:

Brian Anderson

Press Taylor

Returning / Incoming:

Eddie Sullivan, true sophomore

A.J Graham, redshirt sophomore

Rakeem Cato, true freshman

Blake Frohnapfel, true freshman

Best Case Scenario:

For a school known for developing great quarterbacks the position has been a sour spot in recent years. Since 2005 Marshall quarterbacks have combined to throw only 13 more touchdowns than interceptions.

After two years with departed senior Brian Anderson at the helm Marshall is looking for a new starting quarterback. Two sophomore’s Eddie Sullivan and A.J Graham are locked in a heated race to claim the top spot. Neither Graham or Sullivan were able to separate themselves in spring practice so the battle has stretched into August.

In a best case scenario either Sullivan or Graham will come into summer practice and win the starting job. With an established quarterback Marshall finishes in the top half of Conference USA in total offense, passing yards, and touchdowns. Combined with a quality defense Marshall’s new offensive prowess equals at least six victories and a bowl birth.

With two more years of eligibility left after 2011 either Graham or Sullivan becomes the next great Thundering Herd quarterback. Incoming freshman Rakeem Cato and Blake Frohnapfel are redshirted, ensuring a extra year of eligibility for both.

Worst Case Scenario:

Neither Graham or Sullivan separate themselves in August and Marshall enters the season with no true starting quarterback. During a brutal stretch of opponents to start the season MU head coach Doc Holliday tries to ride the hot hand, playing both sophomores. Unfortunately neither QB proves effective and Holliday is forced to burn a redshirt for either Cato or Frohnapfel. The Freshman don’t fair any better and Marshall’s offense suffers through another anemic season.

Worst, Marshall enters spring practice 2012 with a four man quarterback derby as the process starts all over again.

Next Preview: running backs