Georgia Tech coaches always knew B-back Marcus Marshall had big-play potential, but they had concerns about his blocking and ball-security, which limited his playing time. After Saturday’s performance, though, it’s going to be even more difficult to keep the freshman off the field.
Marshall, making his first career start, rushed for 159 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns in the Yellow Jackets’ 31-28 loss to Pittsburgh. He produced the kind of big plays the Tech offense has lacked. Marshall had a pair of 58-yard runs, the first a touchdown off an option pitch in the first quarter and the second coming late in the third quarter with Tech in need of a big play, trailing 28-21.
Marshall broke free on a 58-yard run down to the Panthers’ 17-yard line. Four plays later, he scored from seven yards out, tying the score, 28-28.
The younger brother of Georgia running back Keith Marshall, Marcus Marshall had a big game in the opener against Alcorn State, rushing for 184 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries. He had runs of 64, 49 and 37 yards in that game, but had not seen consistent playing time until this week.
Tech coach Paul Johnson pointed to Marshall’s inexperience as a freshman, his blocking and ball security as reasons Marshall’s minutes had been limited.
“He’s got ability, and we think he’s going to be a really good player,” Johnson said of Marshall. “You can see that he’s got good feet, and I think he’s got a chance to be a good one.”
Marshall fumbled in the fourth quarter, but was able to pounce on it.
“I think I’ve gotten a little better at blocking, but I think I still need to get better,” said Marshall, who found out he would get his first start shortly before Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. kickoff. “And, obviously ball security.”
