MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia football held their annual Gold-Blue Spring Game on Saturday, with the offense (gold) competing against the defense (blue) in a series of competitions. Most notably though was the scrimmage portion of the competitions, in which there were quarterbacks competing, a few defensive standouts and new faces at the running back and tight end position who shined.
Quarterback Battle
If you were to judge solely off of the performance today, Garrett Greene would be the starting quarterback come fall for the Mountaineers. Both Greene and Nicco Marhciol took drives with the first and second team offense. Greene participated in four full games, and was able to find production through the air, on the ground, and by catching the ball. Greene passed for 156 yards and a touchdown on 8-for-11 passing. Greene showed off his arm strength with a 54-yard pass to Devin Carter, which would eventually set up a 7-yard touchdown run by CJ Donaldson. Greene caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Preston Fox on a fourth down on a trick play, and he also rushed for 16 yards on five carries.
Marchiol did not have as much of an impact on the game as Greene did. Marchiol had six full drives, and completed 50 percent of his passes for 58 yards. Marchiol would also be sacked multiple times, including a drive ender on his sixth drive. Marchiol had four drives with the second team and two with the first team.
Defensive Standouts
West Virginia’s secondary is looking for help after a lackluster 2022 campaign. They used the transfer portal to get Montre Miller, who showed going and getting him was a good decision by head coach Neal Brown and company. Miller had two key pass breakups on deep balls down the sideline. Miller would only be credited with one official PBU, but he showed his speed at staying with receivers down the field.
There were no turnovers created by the defense, but they finished with 4.0 sacks, and 6.5 TFL’s.
Jahiem White, Welcome
Another talented running back is not exactly what West Virginia needs, but it is what they got on Saturday. True freshman Jahiem White had a big day on the ground, capped off by a 53-yard touchdown run. White had seven carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. CJ Donaldson had eight rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown. Tony Mathis had three rushes for 10 yards, and Jaylen Anderson had six rushes 20 yards.
Kole Taylor Fits In
All offseason, there has been talk about using tight ends this season. West Virginia acquired LSU transfer Kole Taylor, who has size and playmaking ability. He showed that ability off with a one-handed grab, while finishing with three catches on three targets for 36 yards. It will be interesting to see how he continues to develop within the West Virginia offensive game plan heading into the fall.
