Post-Mariota Era Begins at Oregon
May 2nd, 2015 Oregon Ducks Spring game started at 11:00 am and with that so did the post-Mariota period commences. Many people thought that when Vernon Adams announced he was transferring to Oregon that he would be the heir to Marcus Mariota in that Ducks offensive. However Jeff Lockie had something to say about that. He was probably the brightest player on that field. Lockie went nine for nine with 223 yards and 3 touchdown passes; with his longest pass being a 52 yarder. The crowd also gave Locking a standing ovation.
A lot of people are focusing on the passing game at Oregon & rightfully so, however one or should we say two things have gone really unmentioned is the running game; if both Thomas Tyner & Royce Freeman stay healthy, the Ducks probably have the 1-2 punch in the PAC-12 or even in all of college football. Tyner rushed for 47 yards on 5 cards, with a long run of 19 yards; averaging 9.4 yards per carry. Lets not forget about the great freshman from last year, Royce Freeman rushed 6 times for 48 yards with his longest run of the day for 21 yards; averaging 7.7 yards per carry. With these two powerhouses in the backfield, we might not even care who passes that ball as long as they can hand it off.
Biggest surprise of the game was the play of Charles Nelson on offense and defense! We new he could catch and run from some of his great plays from last year, but who knew he could as catch passes from the other QB too! Nelson played defense on Saturday and was all over the place & yes he even intercepted the ball!
This is be a fun year to be a Ducks fan, you don’t know where the excitement will come from each game, but it will be there!
Game Notes: Marcus Mariota was in attendance on the sideline with his parents & family in the crowd. Josh Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles was there as well as DeAnthony Thomas from the Kansas City Chiefs. Huff has committed to a local summer camp by Elite Athletic Performance as well as other Ducks; Dante Rosario from the Bears, Will Murphy of the Eagles and Spencer Paysinger of the NY Giants.
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