What Temple coach Geoff Collins is saying
While he wouldn't say for sure, Collins admitted if the game were today, that Anthony Russo would be making his fourth consecutive start.
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Here are the key points of Temple football coach Geoff Collins' press conference as the Owls (2-3, 1-0 American Athletic Conference) prepare to host East Carolina (2-2, 0-1)at noon on Saturday.
On the starting situation, whether Anthony Russo will be the starter for the fourth straight week:
GC: If it (the game) was today, he would probably get the bulk of the work. Here is the thing with us, we feel good having three quarterbacks we know who can plan. Frankie Nutile can come in and win us football games. Toddy Centeio has shown he is a dynamic playmaker in every phase he is in. We have packages that we have used the last couple of games for Toddy. It is a blessing to have three guys you have so much confidence in. Anthony has done a really nice job. I still go back to Frankie Nutile, who is a single digit (number) for a reason. He handles adversity, is tough, he is an unbelievable teammate. An unbelievable leader. He is out here competing every day, so is Anthony, so is Toddy. Trad Beatty down in the developmental offense is doing a great job pushing tempo to match on the field with the one's and the two's. It is a blessing to have such a good quarterback room with such talented guys, but if we were to play tomorrow Anthony would get the bulk of the work and he is doing a really nice job. I have complete confidence in Frank Nutile. I absolutely love him, same with Todd Centeio.
On if Frank Nutile is totally healthy:
GC: I think so. He is still wearing the brace but he has been able to step into his throws, and (good) velocity, can project himself.
On why Anthony Russo has been chosen at this point:
GC: I think we have three guys. I feel confident with all three guys. Anthony has done a really nice job running the offense. He has thrown some really nice balls. He gets us in the right protections, gets us in the right run game. He is probably going to get the bulk of the snaps but I feel great about Frank, I feel great about Toddy and what he brings, the dynamics he has to his game. But I am excited about Anthony moving forward as well.
On the status of James McHale, who started the first three games at offensive tackle but missed the last two due to injury:
GC: James we are hoping he will be better. He did a little bit today. We're hoping he will be doing a little more each day to be ready for Saturday. So we are hopeful for Jimmy.