Heisman Hopeful Marcus Mariota Picked Apart Washington State

Going into the 2013 season, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was considered the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman trophy. As the defending Heisman winner, he came into the season with hopes of being just the second player to win two of them. While Manziel has been solid all year, his team has lost two games and have virtually no chance of competing for a National Title.

One of the other favorites was Teddy Bridgewater, the quarterback from Louisville. After an impressive Sugar Bowl performance against the Florida Gators, the Cardinals were the favorites to win the first American Athletic Conference Championship and Bridgewater’s name was at the top of the Heisman list.

With a weak schedule, Louisville was almost a guarantee to run the table until a loss to Central Florida on Friday night. This loss not only hurts their chance of making a BCS bowl game, but may end the Heisman hopes of Bridgewater.

Right now, the two favorites to win the Heisman should be Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. Going into the game on Saturday Night against the Washington State Cougars, Mariota had thrown 17 TDs and had zero interceptions. He also had run the ball for eight touchdowns with at least one rushing TD in each game.

Out of all these possible Heisman quarterbacks, Mariota gets the edge because he hasn’t turned the ball over yet this season.

On Saturday night, Mariota led the Ducks to a 62-38 victory against the Cougars. It was one of the most balanced offensive performances of the season, with Oregon rushing for 383 yards and passing for 336. Mariota led the charge by going 23 for 32 with 327 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He rushed the ball eight times for 67 yards and one touchdown.

If Mariota continues on this pace, he won’t only be in New York City collecting the Heisman trophy, but he will be in Pasadena playing for the BCS Championship.