College Football Top Performers Week 11: Five Quarterbacks, Three Defenders

Nov 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs with the ball during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 51-27. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon Ducks (Defeated Utah Utes 55-31)

17 of 29 for 239 Yards and 3 Touchdowns; 18 Carries for 114 Yards and 1 Touchdown

Yes, Oregon got an amazing break to avoid going down 14-0. Yes, they made quite a few mistakes. But we’re eating lots of crow here because we picked the Utes in an upset based on the physicality of the team.

And in that process, we bet against Marcus Mariota, which we shouldn’t have done.

Once Oregon got into a rhythm, there was obviously no stopping them. But in the fourth quarter, once Utah got back on track and began to threaten, bringing the game within 3, Mariota would always have a response. With 353 total yards and 4 total touchdowns, Mariota has Oregon still right in the thick of the College Football Playoff race.

And he has officially cemented himself back in the Heisman race. Not only did Mariota show how great of a player he truly is against a very physical defense, he also showed how clutch he is and how great he can be in the face of some adversity. That was a big question we had about him earlier.

So he deserves to be mentioned as one of our top performers.

Next: 6th of 10 College Football Top Performers