Mariota stays cool as starting QB for No. 2 Ducks
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Bringing the laid-back vibe of his Hawaiian home to the mainland, Marcus Mariota has kept his cool as the starting quarterback for No. 2 Oregon.
Despite a lack of experience, the 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman has helped guide the Ducks to a 6-0 start. Oregon ranks second nationally with an average of just over 52 points per game, and eighth with nearly 542 yards in total offense.
On a team known much more for its rushing than it's passing, Mariota has thrown for 15 touchdowns, second in the Pac-12 only to USC's Matt Barkley, with only five interceptions. He averages about 218 yards passing a game.
He threw for 198 yards and four touchdowns in Oregon's 52-21 victory over then-No. 23 Washington the weekend before last. After a Saturday off, the Ducks visit Arizona State on Thursday night.
