MONTREAL - Alouettes' fans will soon find out whether the Marsh-madness epidemic that has descended on the local footballsphere is justified, as rookie quarterback Tanner Marsh will attempt to duplicate his magic in Toronto against the Argonauts tonight (7:30 p.m).
Marsh excited what had been a dejected, rain-soaked crowd 12 days ago at the gridiron on Mount Royal by putting on an electrifying performance in relief of second stringer Josh Neiswander, who had started in place of the injured veteran QB Anthony Calvillo.
Marsh, in spite of tossing four interceptions - caused by what he later confessed were "stupid decisions" - managed to give the Als a miraculous 39-38 win with a 57-yard pass to Eric Deslauriers with seconds left, allowing Sean Whyte to boot the last-second game-winning field goal.
Marsh told reporters this week that he has been hitting the books in preparation for his battle against a wily Toronto defence.
“I’ve been studying film like crazy and I’m comfortable with most of their defensive looks, so let ‘em bring it,” the 6'4" Texan told a scrum of reporters earlier this week.
“They have a great defence and I know they’re going to have a great game plan against us. They’re fast, they disguise, they hit hard, they move around and they’re a good solid defence. I’m excited to play them, it’s going to be an awesome game,” he said.
Marsh should be further bolstered by the return of Brandon Whitaker, who showed signs of his brilliant 2011 form in recent games before falling victim to a shoulder injury.
The Alouettes (3-5) are hoping to beat a first-place Argo squad (5-3) that is also led by a backup quarterback, as Zach Collaros has taken over from Ricky Ray, sidelined for six weeks with a shoulder injury.
Collaros, who is six feet tall and from Cincinnati, registered two big games this year, one a 253-yard effort against the Lions on July 30 and another a 221-yard game against Calgary on August 23.
But Collaros looked only ordinary against the Alouettes on August 8, tossing six completions in 10 tries for 44 yards.
The Argos might be expected to go with more of a ground game than they would under throw-first QB Ricky Ray, who had averaged 33 passes and 16 runs per game.
The Argonauts have scored 244 points this season and given up only 209, for a differential of plus 35, while the Alouettes have scored 195 and ceded 239, for a negative 44 point differential.
Montreal Alouette quarterback Anthony Calvillo reported this week that he is still feeling the effects of recent concussion and there is no timetable for his return.
