If any of the 6,000 fans in attendance for Marshall’s annual Green-White game were expecting to see some breakthroughs in Doc Holliday’s second spring as head coach, they likely walked away disappointed.
Or, ran away under the cover of an umbrella, coat or any other form of protection they could find. About three quarters of the way into the scrimmage, a severe thunderstorm rolled into the area, causing an abrupt end to the event.
“We got in about 90 plays and we were shooting for about 120,” said head coach Doc Holliday after practice as thunder shook the Fred and Christine Shewey Athletic Building.
What fans were able to see was limited. The quarterback battle between sophomores A.J. Graham and Eddie Sullivan was practically dead even once again. Graham went 9-for19 for 56 yards and a rushing score, and Sullivan went 10-of-20 for 160 yards and a touchdown – a 7-yard shovel pass to tight end C.J. Crawford.
After the scrimmage, Sullivan said he didn’t feel he, nor Graham, emerged as the No. 1 quarterback heading into the summer. This is likely a battle that will come down to the final practices of fall camp.
Marshall also got a lot of production out of their two running backs, Martin Ward and Essray Taliaferro, who combined for 130 yards and a touchdown.
However, both offensive and defensive lines played inconsistently at times and there were a few false starts and offsides penalties.
But Marshall has been decimated by injuries this spring and much of the second team offensive line was comprised of walk-ons.
Injuries in the receiving group also gave way to some younger players getting valuable playing time. Receiver Conelius Jones had 4 catches for 17 yards, but dropped a few others. He also left the game with a right ankle injury, but we’re told it’s nothing serious.
Tight end C.J. Crawford led all receivers with 5 catches for 77 yards.
Marshall’s defense played well by swarming to the ball and put both quarterbacks under duress multiple times. Defensive back Donald Brown led the defense with seven tackles and linebacker Tyson Gale had five of his own. Defensive back Derek Mitchell had three tackles, but always seemed to be around the ball and had plenty more pass breakups.
Freshman defensive end Darien Moody recorded a safety.
Quick hits:
Wide receiver Aaron Dobson suited up today, but did not play. He has been hampered by a hamstring injury throughout spring.
Running back Tron Martinez also did not play, but Holliday said after practice that was a decision made by him to allow other backs to get some playing time.
Defensive back Omar Brown also didn’t play for the same reason.
The defense came ready to hit today. Linebacker Zach Wellman had a huge hit on Ward on the near sideline that would be seen a Top-10 highlight reel.