Pennington Named Backup Quarterback for Marshall
After a competitive battle for the starting quarterback position, Pennington has been named the backup for Marshall this season, following the decision to start Stone Earle. Pennington, a redshirt sophomore, is expected to serve as the third-string quarterback for the Thundering Herd. Last season, he appeared in four games, throwing for 695 yards but struggled with six interceptions and no touchdowns.
Pennington Struggles in Starting Role Against South Alabama
In a 28-0 loss to South Alabama, Pennington was thrust into the starting quarterback role after Cam Fancher was ruled out with an undisclosed injury. Despite splitting first-team reps with Fancher leading up to the game, Pennington’s performance was underwhelming. He completed 22 of 36 passes for 159 yards but threw three interceptions and failed to lead a scoring drive, contributing to the team’s inability to put points on the board. It remains unclear whether Pennington or Fancher will start in Marshall’s regular-season finale.
Competition for Starting Spot Continues
Pennington has been sharing first-team reps at quarterback with Cam Fancher as the team prepares for their upcoming game against South Alabama. The quarterback competition has remained close, leaving the starting job uncertain heading into the weekend. Pennington has appeared in two games this season, completing 62.8% of his passes for 278 yards, along with three interceptions, making it difficult for the coaching staff to settle on a clear starter.
Pennington Helps Lead Win Against Georgia Southern
In Marshall’s 38-33 victory over Georgia Southern, Pennington had a solid outing despite the team’s heavy reliance on the running game. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 201 yards and one interception. The Thundering Herd’s star running back, Rasheen Ali, ran for 165 yards and three touchdowns, limiting Pennington’s workload to just 20 pass attempts. Nevertheless, Pennington’s efficiency and ability to surpass 200 passing yards played a role in the team’s victory.
Pennington Could Start Again If Fancher Is Sidelined
With Fancher’s status uncertain due to an undisclosed injury, Pennington may be called upon to start again in Marshall’s next game against South Alabama. If Fancher remains sidelined, Pennington could take the reins once more, as he demonstrated reliability in the win over Georgia Southern, despite a limited number of pass attempts. Pennington’s ability to maintain a high completion percentage in that game will likely be a key factor in his chances of starting.
Pennington Struggles as Backup Against Coastal Carolina
Pennington’s struggles continued when he replaced Cam Fancher in the third quarter of a 34-6 loss to Coastal Carolina. Fancher had thrown two interceptions before being benched, and Pennington came in hoping to spark the offense. However, Pennington was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, completing just 12 of 23 passes for 77 yards and throwing two more interceptions. His performance was underwhelming, and the Thundering Herd offense remained stagnant.
Pennington’s Inability to Spark Offense
Pennington’s time in the game against Coastal Carolina was marked by inconsistency. Though he had a chance to make an impact after Fancher’s struggles, Pennington was unable to find a rhythm, as his two interceptions and subpar yardage totals highlighted his ongoing issues with decision-making. His inability to provide a spark for the offense raised further concerns about his ability to take over as the starter if needed.
Fancher Remains Marshall’s Starter
Despite Pennington’s opportunities in relief, it appears that Fancher will remain the starting quarterback for Marshall heading into their Week 10 matchup. The coaching staff has indicated that Fancher is still the preferred option, given Pennington’s struggles when called upon as a backup. If Fancher can return to form, he will likely continue as the starter, with Pennington playing a backup role for the remainder of the season.
Pennington’s Limited Role Moving Forward
Given his performance in relief and the uncertainty surrounding Fancher’s injury, Pennington is expected to remain in a backup role for the time being. Although he has had flashes of potential, his inability to fully capitalize on opportunities has limited his chances to take on a larger role. Marshall’s coaching staff will continue to evaluate Pennington’s progress and may consider more playing time if Fancher continues to face difficulties.
Pennington’s Career to Date
Pennington’s career at Marshall has been marked by inconsistency. While he has shown moments of promise, he has struggled with turnovers and failed to consistently take advantage of starting opportunities. His 2023 season was a tough one, as he threw for 695 yards, but his six interceptions highlighted his difficulties with ball control. As a result, he is now relegated to the backup role, where his ability to improve his decision-making will be crucial for future opportunities.
Coaching Staff Faces Tough Decision at Quarterback
Marshall’s coaching staff has faced a difficult decision at quarterback this season, with Pennington and Fancher both showing flashes of potential but also struggles. With the team’s fate potentially hanging on the performance of the quarterback, the staff will need to carefully assess both players in the coming weeks to determine who can provide the most stability for the team. Pennington’s time in the backup role could be short-lived if he shows improvement, but for now, he will continue to wait for another opportunity.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season
As Marshall prepares for the remainder of the season, Pennington’s role will likely remain as a backup quarterback, unless Fancher’s struggles continue or another injury occurs. With limited experience and a rocky start to his time as a starter, Pennington will need to focus on improving his decision-making and taking advantage of any future opportunities. The coaching staff’s decision will be crucial in determining how much playing time he will see, but for now, he is focused on supporting the team from the sidelines.
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