There have been plenty of spectacular performances by multiple players attempting to enter the race for the Heisman Trophy in recent weeks. Marcus Mariota remains the favorite for the award, though.
As the national conversation shifted this week to “game control”, Mariota and his Ducks aren’t having any trouble with the Colorado Buffaloes. The No. 2 Oregon squad leads Colorado 30-3 at halftime, while Mariota continues to pad his resume.
The junior quarterback was efficient and effective. Mariota was 14-of-20 passing for 176 yards and a touchdown. The quarterback is also the game’s leading rusher with six carries for 74 yards and another touchdown.
In fact, Mariota’s performance in the first half propelled him to elite territory in college football history:
Marcus Mariota has become 5th player in #FBS history to go 9,000/2,000 in a career #GoDucks #CUvsUO pic.twitter.com/YM67mkGqU9
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 22, 2014
Plenty of other Ducks got into the act as well.
Freshman running back Royce Freeman ran the ball 12 times for 59 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Mariota also connected with eight difference targets. Senior Keanon Lowe led the way with four catches for 43 yards.
Oregon’s quarterback was also helped by a spectacular catch from wide receiver Darren Carrington, who caught a tipped pass while on his back:
Helluva catch by Darren Carrington http://t.co/1ME7c0iEhJ
— Sean Michael Meagher (@sean2m) November 22, 2014
During the second half, Oregon should continue to overwhelm an outclassed Colorado squad. The Buffaloes can build some confidence by moving the ball and slowing the Ducks offense. While Oregon has a much bigger aspirations this season, Colorado can still earn a moral victory with better play during the third and fourth quarters.
