EUGENE, Ore. – In his short tenure at Oregon – two years as offensive coordinator, and now beginning his fourth season as head coach – Chip Kelly has developed a reputation for a fast-paced, explosive offense. And also, for plugging and playing quarterbacks (eight have led Oregon to a 53-13 record).
Kelly says it's because the Ducks don't make a big deal of it. The philosophy, he says, is the same as at any other position: next guy in. Whatever the reason, it's Marcus Mariota's turn. Oregon's hopes of winning a fourth straight conference championship and contending for the BCS title ride in part on the shoulders of the redshirt freshman.
Tonight, when the No. 5-ranked Ducks face Arkansas State at Autzen Stadium – after a nearly perfect late summer day, expect temperatures to begin dropping into the 50s during the game – we'll get our first look at Mariota, who beat out sophomore Bryan Bennett during a competition that began last spring and ended last week.
Darron Thomas, the Ducks' starter in 2010 and 2011, entered the NFL Draft following his junior season, but went undrafted and has still has not been signed by a team.
Insiders whisper that Mariota has potential to become the best quarterback of Kelly's tenure; he's lanky and fast, a good passer with what appears to be a low-key demeanor. But until kickoff – and maybe beyond tonight, considering the opponent – there's no way to tell for sure.
Mariota's task is made a bit easier because of a talented supporting cast that includes running backs Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas and a defense that might be as good as the Ducks have had in a long while.
Meanwhile, for Arkansas State, Gus Malzahn makes his head-coaching debut. The former Auburn offensive coordinator surprised many by taking the job last December. The Red Wolves, who won 10 games last season under Hugh Freeze (now head coach at Ole Miss), bring back an experienced quarterback in Ryan Aplin.
Also uncertain: Whether Oregon's 82-game sellout streak at Autzen Stadium continues. Late in the week, about 2,000 tickets remained; capacity is 54,000.
No comments:
Post a Comment