Rodriguez Says a Third Quarterback Almost Played in WVU’s Loss to Ohio

West Virginia’s quarterback carousel and a struggling offensive line increase game-flow uncertainty vs. Pitt; bettors may favor WVU team total under or wait for a confirmed starter—quarterback passing props look particularly risky.

WVU’s Quarterback Carousel Raises Questions Ahead of Pitt

West Virginia’s offensive line has been a glaring issue, but the quarterback position is proving equally problematic. Nicco Marchiol struggled in the loss to Ohio, failing to make plays through the air and lacking the mobility to extend drives. Late in the third quarter, head coach Rich Rodriguez inserted Texas A&M transfer Jaylen Henderson for a short burst, searching for momentum, but the change failed to spark the offense and Marchiol returned under center.

Coach Rodriguez Signals Continued Experimentation

Rodriguez acknowledged the complexity of managing multiple quarterbacks, noting that different players bring different skill sets to the table. He revealed the staff nearly placed a third quarterback into the game and that rotating four or five quarterbacks in practice is a regular occurrence. Rodriguez stressed fairness and performance: if the offense moves the ball and scores, the starter will keep the job; if not, other opportunities will be given.

Who’s Behind Center? Starter Unlikely to Be Confirmed Soon

Rodriguez did not disclose his plan for the upcoming game against Pitt, and it’s unlikely he will before kickoff. While Marchiol is assumed to remain the starter, expect increased reps from Jaylen Henderson or perhaps another option. A true freshman or recent transfer could have been the nearly-used third option, though the staff has declined to name that player.

Offensive Line Woes Compound QB Instability

The combination of protection concerns and indecision at quarterback creates a difficult environment for sustained drives. Without a reliable pocket passer or a quarterback who can create consistent yards on the ground, play-calling and game tempo suffer, increasing the pressure on coaches to tinker until results appear.

Betting Implications and What Punters Should Consider

The uncertainty at quarterback and the offensive line’s struggles make West Virginia’s offensive output unpredictable. Punters may prefer wagering the team total under or exploring alternative spread markets until the staff confirms a consistent starter. Quarterback prop bets—especially passing yards for Marchiol—carry elevated risk given potential midgame rotations. Live markets may offer value once in-game trends become clear.

West Virginia's quarterback situation remains unclear.

Si