Over the past weekend, college football saw one of its most competitive and crazy weeks in history with the top 25 literally crumbling. In the top 10, five teams dropped their games, and overall in the top 25, 11 teams lost. Almost half of the top 25 lost their games which leaves a lot to explain. Most notably, the Ducks who were the number 2 ranked team in the land took a bitter loss at home to Arizona by just one score. For the Ducks loss, a lot can be blamed for, but it still comes down to play calling. Ducks have been battling defensive inconsistencies all year long, and have only looked crisp against the big win at the time against Michigan State. The offensive line has taken some blows with two starters being out, but Jake Fisher will be returning for the UCLA game. Bralon Addison has also been a missed play-maker on offense and special teams. Scott Frost has to work with what he's got and he has done a poor job on the play-calling, as well as Don Pellum with the defense. The coordinators have been under-performing and Scott Frost, pulled the card of saying Mariota could be playing a little bit hurt. Marcus Mariota has been doing his share, so it can't be blamed on him for someone who is scrambling for their life and still manages to find ways to tie the game and almost come back and win. There can be a thousand excuses in the book for why Oregon dropped that game against Arizona, but it boils down to that they didn't come prepared to play. The Ducks had a bye week to correct hiccups in their game plan. As Ducks fans are concerned, the loss to Arizona feels like a miss on reaching the National playoff and getting Marcus Mariota a Heisman Trophy. But is it really the end for both of these opportunities? I believe it is still wide open.
Why Oregon can reach the National playoff:
What was encouraging about the loss to Arizona in Week 6, is the Ducks slid only 10 spots to number 12, and the fact 11 teams in the top 25 received a loss. The Ducks still have some tough games left on the schedule, and they have to capitalize against an inconsistent UCLA Bruin and Stanford Cardinal team. Those are their two big wins they need in the regular season to go along with their Michigan State victory. Also, wins against Utah and Oregon State will provide for their resume for the selection committee. Ducks need the Arizona Wildcats to reach the PAC 12 championship and beat them in the inaugural neutral site. If these events occur, and Michigan State who looks like they will go on to reach the Big Ten Championship and win, Ducks should not be passed by the Spartans since they would get a second chance at Arizona and their 19 point victory against Michigan State. Outside the PAC 12, Baylor still has tough bouts with TCU and Oklahoma, and Florida State still has tests with Notre Dame and Louisville. The state of Mississippi is looking really good right now, but now Ole Miss's schedule isn't looking any easier. LSU is clearly not the LSU of old, but a game in Baton Rouge is still tough, and games at Texas A&M, and then Auburn and state rival Mississippi State at home makes it safe to say there's a possibility of two losses. Mississippi State has looked real impressive and have only two tough games left of Alabama and Ole Miss. Auburn has looked like the best SEC team this year, but they also have a tough schedule ahead of them. The SEC could get shaken up the next 3-4 weeks opening up the top 10 in the AP rankings. Florida State looks like the only lock to make the playoff, but the other three spots are wide open for the rest of the season. This will benefit Oregon if they win out and win the PAC 12 Championship.
Why Mariota can still win the Heisman:
As of right now, Marcus Mariota has 1411 yards passing, 15 Passing TD's, 0 INT, 71.1% Completion Rate, QBR of 89.9, and top QB rating in the nation of 202.4, while being sacked 15 times and having a shaky offensive line. The loss is going to hurt Mariota because it is still his team and he will be punished for it, by dropping in some Heisman voters ballots. But should he really? His numbers belong right now as a Heisman candidate, especially in the top 3. The play calling and defense is what have hurt the Ducks. Mariota certainly has done his job at QB. Mariota will slide but with the remaining games can prove what he and the Ducks are made of, and what he does in the PAC 12 Championship if they go on to make it. For Heisman voters, Mariota's character should automatically get the attention of the voters as he is a model citizen and athlete. Jameis Winston and Johnny Manziel got attention for the wrong reasons and show lots of immaturity and a struggle in the maturation department. Since Mississippi State is undefeated and Dak Prescott has put up good numbers, he will most likely be in top 2 in Heisman voting along with Todd Gurley. Mariota should only slide to 5th or 6th in the Heisman voting. There is still 7 games left in the season lots of more losses around college football. If Mariota consistently puts up numbers with wins to go along with his excellent character, Mariota should see himself possibly standing up at that podium hoisting the trophy.
It is easy to write off the Ducks and to call one loss a season-breaker and the "sports media will show no respect for the Ducks", but Marcus Mariota is too much to forget that easily. From covers of SI, to a guy who's character gets recognition for the right things, and a brand that has grown over the years, the Ducks can't be buried. If anything, this loss was a positive and humbling experience. I think one loss adds fuel to their fire to respond and not worry about being perfect anymore. Ducks are getting bodies back. Jake Fisher is back for UCLA game, Bralon Addison and Andre Yruretagoyena should hopefully be back in November. Arik Armstead got hurt in the Arizona game which is concerning for the UCLA game, but I believe the walking boot is just a precaution. He has been an amazing part of the defensive line along with DeForest Buckner this season. Any time a walking boot is discussed we as fans think of the worst, but honestly that is probably best for Arik to compress the ankle and cause it from being injured again before the UCLA game. The season is very much alive for the Oregon Ducks and Marcus Mariota, and it starts with a big game against UCLA.
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