Marcus Mariota Puts On Heisman Performance in Oregon’s Win Over Colorado
By Jeff Hauser
@radiohauser
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
QB Marcus Mariota has proven once again why he’s the front-runner for the Heisman trophy. The Oregon Ducks quarterback threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns along with another score rushing to dismantle the Colorado Buffaloes by a score of 44-10. This was the seventh-straight loss for the Buffs, who haven’t looked great in Pac-12 play this season.
With the victory, Mariota set the Pac-12 record for touchdowns with a combined number of 42 this season (32 passing, nine rushing and one receiving) for the Ducks. He has also set fire to Oregon’s record book by setting seven passing records including passing for at least a touchdown in every game during his career as a Duck.
The No. 2-ranked Ducks shift their focus to the last game of the season on the road, but not far away from home taking on the Oregon State Beavers in the Civil War game. Oregon knows they can’t have a letdown in the final game of the season and should remain in the College Football Playoff rankings.
The final game of the season for Mariota will come as more than just a rivalry game. He must have a convincing performance against the Beavers as a strong finish for the Heisman voters. As it stands right now, Mariota leads the Heisman consideration with Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper both still in the mix.
The quality that should stand out to Heisman voters the most is Mariota’s ability to take care of the ball. He’s only thrown two interceptions this season along with a seven-game stretch of not throwing a pick. Nothing new for the Ducks’ quarterback, who threw four interceptions last season and went 10 games without a pick.
It’s likely this was the last home game for Mariota at Autzen Stadium and the junior quarterback will decide after the season if he’s entering the NFL Draft. Before that point, Oregon is focused on winning their first national championship in school history and for Mariota becoming the first Duck to win a Heisman.
Jeff Hauser is a Pac-12 Football contributing writer for RantSports and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @radiohauser.
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