Doug Marrone confirmed Monday that Greg Paulus will start at quarterback in Syracuse’s game Saturday against Akron, reiterating what he said following the Orange’s loss to West Virginia.

Speaking at his weekly press conference with local media, the SU head coach dismissed the notion of a quarterback controversy and said he expects Paulus to return to form after a week away from football.

‘Someone who is as competitive as Greg goes out there and he tries to make a play,’ Marrone said. ‘Sometimes plays aren’t there and you just have to take what the defense gives you. That might be to eat the ball and take a sack, it may be to run straight up the middle for a yard or two, but not make some of the decisions that were made.

‘I don’t get too concerned about where Greg is because he is mature enough. He understands it, and he’ll be able to come back from it.’

Paulus threw five interceptions against South Florida on Oct. 3, prompting questions about his job security. He was benched at halftime against the Mountaineers one week later after completing 5-of-9 passes for just 30 yards with an interception. Backup Ryan Nassib played the second half and tossed two touchdowns.

Marrone said immediately afterward that despite Paulus’ recent struggles, he would maintain his role as SU’s starting quarterback.

Marrone did not waver on his stance Monday. Though he admitted he is concerned with Paulus’ decision-making and turnovers, Marrone remains confident Paulus gives the Orange the best chance to win.

‘I’m constantly evaluating everyone that plays for our football team to a point where if I feel they’re not putting us in a position to win, I have to replace them,’ Marrone said. ‘I understand where everyone’s coming from as far as the quarterback position, but Greg’s our starting quarterback.’

Nassib will play in certain offensive situations, but Marrone did not elaborate on exactly how he plans to utilize him. Until the West Virginia game, Nassib had been used primarily out of the ‘Stallion’ formation, often split out as a wide receiver. He had thrown just five passes all season before throwing 16 against the Mountaineers.

‘We go into each game with packages for both (players),’ Marrone said. ‘Then it’s just a matter of how the game’s going, whether or not they come across. Some games, Ryan, if you talk about 100 percent, he may have five percent, seven percent, as high as 17 percent of what the package is. If it’s working for us, if it’s something we need to do to win, we’ll stay with that package.’

The Orange players were given the last week off to detach from football, while Marrone and the coaching staff spent the time assessing the first half of the season during a ‘quality control’ period. Marrone said the team is ‘enthusiastic’ about returning to practice and preparing for the stretch run.

Syracuse (2-4, 0-2 Big East) needs to go 4-2 the rest of the way to remain eligible for a bowl game for the first time since 2004. Its first task is getting by Akron (1-5, 0-3 Mid-American Conference), who beat the Orange last season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.

‘Our goals are ahead of us as far as what our team goals are – becoming bowl eligible,’ Marrone said. ‘We have a good run ahead of us right now, and we’re excited to get started on the rest of the season.’

Depth chart notes

Starting center Jim McKenzie will miss his second straight game Saturday with a hand injury, Marrone said Monday. Ryan Bartholomew, who usually plays left guard, will start in his place.

Tucker Baumbach will slide over from right guard to left guard, and Andrew Tiller will fill Baumbach’s slot. Outside offensive tackle Nick Speller will return to his position against Akron after leaving the game against the Mountaineers with an apparent ankle injury.

Tight end Cody Catalina will play against the Zips. He missed SU’s last game with an undisclosed injury.

True freshman E.J. Carter is listed as a starting linebacker on the depth chart, but Marrone said he will not play Saturday. Carter was suspended before the West Virginia game for violating team rules.

‘I’ll probably comment on him when the time’s appropriate, when he comes back,’ Marrone said. ‘He’s not playing this week.’

jediamon@syr.edu

Published on October 19, 2009 at 12:00 pm