Appreciating Marcus Mariota And The Challenge For His Successor

As I gleefully watched Oregon dismantle Jameis Winston and Florida State on New Year’s Day, one play stuck out to me. For all intents and purposes, the game was already decided. It was the early fourth quarter and Oregon was already up 45-20. The internet was far too busy inserting Odell Beckham, Benny Hill music, a fisherman, and Lance Stephenson (my personal favorite) into the video of Jameis’ fumble to notice. But on 4^th and 2 from the Florida State 23, Marcus Mariota made another one of those plays. Those plays like the 3^rd and 11 against Michigan State that leave us unable to form actual words with the noises we’re making. Those plays that make me feel just a little bit sorry for whoever lines up under center for Oregon next fall.

Oregon had called a simple option for Mariota with Royce Freeman as his outlet if needed. But Florida State had the perfect defense called to stop it. Marcus turned up field, and was faced with two unblocked defenders – a defensive end less than 2 yards in front of him, and a defensive back prepared to take away the pitch option. The defender was 250 lbs and a consensus top 10 recruit at his position – by any measure, the play should have been stopped for a loss. But Mariota makes one ball fake, puts his foot in the ground and accelerates, and the defender is suddenly on the ground, arms full of air. Mariota is in the end zone, putting one more nail in the coffin of Florida State’s perfect season.

I have watched Oregon football for over 20 years. There have been many good years, a few bad, and a couple amazing. But one surprising constant was the quality quarterback play, year after year. True, watching Brady Leaf attempt to run Chip Kelly’s spread option offense was painful, but consider: Since 1994, Oregon has had two quarterbacks drafted in the top 3 picks, and six drafted overall. That’s quite a legacy for a program that, until recently, was considered anything but a national power. Marcus Mariota has taken that legacy to new heights, both individually and in the context of team success.  He plays the position with a combination of passing accuracy and rushing ability never before seen in the college game, and is the primary reason Oregon can win its first National Championship on January 12^th.

Marcus also is the favorite to become Oregon’s first-ever #1 overall pick in the NFL draft this spring, if he so chooses. If Oregon’s history is any indication, their next quarterback will be talented. Whether it’s veteran Jeff Lockte, redshirt freshman Morgan Mahalak, Georgia Tech transfer Ty Griffin, or true freshman Travis Waller, the starter will probably be successful, and Oregon’s offense will put up points. But every Oregon quarterback moving forward will be compared to Mariota, who will cast a Heisman-sized shadow over the program for years to come. Good play and excellent statistics will be expected, not hoped for. Mariota’s successor will be judged not only on stats or wins; fair or not, he will also be judged by how many of those plays he leaves us with.