Andy Marty has had a total of 3 significant chances to play. In 2019, we were (2-8) and getting destroyed by the 10th-ranked Gophers at Ryan Field. Hunter Johnson had started and led the team to one first down and 4 punts in our first 4 possessions, netting -3 yards. We were trailing 21-0.
After a great punt, the NU defense got a safety ,to cut the Gopher lead to 21-2.
Fitz (finally) sends in sophomore Andy Marty with 9:30 to go in the half.
Like a few others in the stands, I roar in approval.
14 plays and 6:40 later we have driven 69 yards and pounded in for a touchdown.
We hold Minnesota, they punt and pin us deep. The half ends. Minnesota leads 21-9.
Minnesota gets the ball to start the 2nd half and marches the length of the field to make it 28-9.
NU gets it back and Marty leads the offense on another long touchdown drive, going 64 yards in 16 plays, to make it 28-16.
Minnesota responds with a long drive to go up 35-16.
We go 3 and out.
Minnesota kicks a field goal to go up 38-16.
We get the ball, Marty leads another long drive, 8 plays, 77 yards, to finish the scoring.
Andy Marty stats - 8 of 10 passing for 95 yards and one TD. He ran 16 times for 52 yards and 2 TDs.
Hunter Johnson stats - 0 for 2 passing, 4 carries for minus 40 yards.
Thats right. You read that right.
The next week we go to Illinois as underdogs and Marty plays the whole game.
Our 9 possessions result in 4 TDs, one FG (33), one missed FG (36), one punt, one INT and one failed 4th and 5 on the Illini 35. We manhandle Illinois 29-10.
So everybody knows at the end of 2019 that Andrew Marty should be our starting QB in 2020. He has proven it on the field. But Covid and Payton Ramsey show up and Marty doesn't throw a pass all year. NU rides an awesome defense and a mediocre offense to a very good season. Would we have been better with Marty at QB? Possibly. I think probably.
In 2021 Fitz names Hunter Johnson the starter. Obviously he throws the ball well downfield in practice when no one is allowed to touch him. However, the football case has already been proven on the field. Andy Marty is a much better quarterback and deserves to start.
The Duke game proved this for the third time. At some point Fitz will listen to his gut and commit to the kid who generates results. Marty has played significant minutes in three games and has played well in each opportunity.