Southern Miss wrapped up the first of two scrimmages in fall camp on Saturday; many believed the scrimmage might give the fans and media some answers about the team. Who will be the Golden Eagles’ starting Quarterback? Which receiver will emerge as a top target? What will the offense look like now that Southern Miss head coach Will Hall is able to run his famous offensive scheme? There were many others, but those three were the ones that have been talked about the most this offseason. Some questions were answered this Saturday, but others left even more questions. This article will cover one central question on most Golden Eagle fans’ minds: Who won the Quarterback Battle? Is there even a winner?
When you put the pads on, the lights turn on, and the fans pour into M. M. Roberts Stadium, who will step up? Who will be the hero this Southern Miss offense has so desperately needed?
Goodness, this has been a contentious fall camp. The two competing for the starting job, Holman Edwards and Billy Wiles, have been neck and neck all fall camp. When one player has a better day, they are one-upped by their counterpart the next day.
“I thought those first three quarterbacks really executed at a high level. Holeman, Billy, and Ethan. They all three made some plays, I don’t remember them having a turnover…I thought thy read things perfectly. There are some things I want to do a little bit better. I thought we really grew at that position.” Hall said.
At the beginning of the week, it really looked like Wiles was pulling away and making the strongest case for the starting job, but Wednesday, Edwards had a great day and pulled right back up to being tied for the lead. At this scrimmage, coaches and media members alike were looking for who would have the edge on the other, and unless the coaches find something in the film the media could not see on the field, neither Quarterback had a clear advantage. Where Edwards would have a great drive, Wiles would throw three straight darts to tight end Cole Cavallo. Where Wiles would rush really well, Edwards would get his read off before the pocket collapsed and complete an over-the-middle pass with D-Linemen swatting at the ball. It was almost frustrating how close the two of them were.
As we get closer to week one of the 2023 football season, everyone wants to know who the starter will be. Throughout camp, they have bounced back and forth like the most intense and most drawn-out game of Pong. There was no answer after the scrimmage contrary to what anyone thought.
However, fear not, as Hall stated in today’s media availability that he will name a starter on August 22nd. Be on the lookout for SM2.com’s coverage until then, because this battle is starting to heat up.
