Heisman Trophy: Ranking the last 15 Heisman winners
By Gabe Encinas
2014 Heisman Stats: 304/445, 4,454 yards, 42 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 135 carries, 770 yards, 15 touchdowns
Some may say Marcus Mariota was part of a system and the system was designed for his wide receivers to get wide open so he didn’t have to make difficult throws, but Mariota proved to be a flawless passer. He only threw four interceptions to 42 touchdowns and when he threw an interception it was usually because of a deflected pass or something weird happening. His decision making and ball security were unrivaled.
But even without his passing game, it was his craft as a read-option expert. While he did have some amazing running backs that could go the distance on virtually every play, Mariota knew that offense inside and out, and could read a defense to perfection.
Oregon finished 13-2 on the season, slipping at home vs. Arizona and losing to Ohio State in the first College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He had 57 total touchdowns on the year, which is the third most in college football history.
Next: 4. Tim Tebow