STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – It’s not a quarterback controversy. And it’s not about prepping a backup for next season.

No, Doug Marrone envisions Ryan Nassib playing a pivotal role for Syracuse this season. The redshirt freshman spelled starting quarterback Greg Paulus throughout Syracuse’s 28-7 loss to Penn State Saturday.

‘I believe that we will need both quarterbacks to help us with this year and both quarterbacks are aware of the situation,’ said Marrone, SU’s head coach. ‘We build packages for both of them.’

Last week, Nassib lined up at wide receiver as a decoy in Syracuse’s ‘Stallion’ offense. This week, he was under center. The results varied. Nassib went 4-of-5 for 30 yards, including a 19-yard strike to tight end Cody Catalina.

One week into preseason camp, Nassib was ousted by Paulus for the No. 1 job. But apparently he’ll do more than hold a clipboard and make hand signals from the sideline. Whereas Paulus is more mobile, Nassib brings a more traditional presence to the position.

Everybody involved – Nassib, Paulus and Marrone – reiterates that musical chairs at quarterback won’t affect rhythm. Even if the two quarterbacks tag in and tag out during the same offensive series as they did Saturday.

‘We do it in practice, so it doesn’t (affect rhythm),’ Marrone said. ‘If we went one quarter here, one quarter there, in my opinion, that has a problem with the rhythm. What we are doing is putting our players in the position to win games and we love both quarterbacks.’

Roommates on the road, Paulus and Nassib say they have a strong working relationship. For now, their roles are defined. Paulus is the starter. Nassib is a weapon Syracuse hopes will muddy opponents’ gameplans.

‘We work with each other every day,’ Nassib said. ‘We quiz each other. We push each other. If either of us have a question for each other we have no problem asking.’

Streak ends

The fate of Mike Williams’ touchdown streak rested in his own hands.

On fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Williams cut into the end zone on a routine slant pass. Then, for a split second, Williams lost focus. Paulus’ pass bounced off his chest and a nation-best run of 10 games with a touchdown officially ended.

Earlier in the drive, Williams hauled in a highly-contested ball on third-and-nine along the left sideline. This didn’t make sense.

‘When I made the difficult catch, I had focus on the ball the whole time,’ Williams said. ‘Then when I had the easy pass, you think you have that one and then you just lose it.’

Through two games, Paulus has zeroed in on Williams early and often. While the drop all but sealed a Penn State win, Paulus’ trust hasn’t wavered.

‘Mike is going to make that catch,’ Paulus said. ‘I don’t worry about Mike catching the ball and making big plays. He is a big-time player and same situation, or if it’s even a different route, I’m still 100 percent confident in throwing him the ball.’

Scott gets first pick

Probably no player on Syracuse’s roster has drawn more daunting head-to-head assignments than cornerback Kevyn Scott.

A week ago, Scott was chasing Minnesota’s Eric Decker. On Saturday, Scott was often in one-on-one coverage against someone amongst Penn State’s horde of weapons. PSU quarterback Daryll Clark was effective, completing 20-31 for 240 yards with three touchdowns. But in the second quarter, Scott did wrestle away a Clark pass for his first career interception.

Scott has been at the forefront of Syracuse’s rough non-conference schedule.

‘You look around the country and a lot of teams open with like prep schools but there’s no complaining,’ Scott said. ‘We’re going to get after it and learn from these two games.’

thdunne@syr.edu

Published on September 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm