Ducks QB shreds Vols’ secondary
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon’s Marcus Mariota had no idea he had thrown for more than 400 yards against Tennessee until after the game when some of his teammates pointed it out.
The low-key sophomore finished with a career-high 456 yards passing, including four touchdowns, in the second-ranked Ducks’ 59-14 victory Saturday.
“It’s pretty cool, I guess,” he said.
Mariota, who completed 23 of 33 passes, was the first Oregon quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards in a game since Kellen Clemens in 2005. His yardage ties for the third-most in a game in school history, and he easily extended his string of at least one touchdown in all of his 16 games for Oregon. The streak is third among active quarterbacks. Mariota said it was never Oregon’s plan to throw that much against the Vols.
“It just happened,” he said, “and we went for it.”
To the tune of handing the Volunteers their worst varsity loss since a 48-0 defeat to Mississippi State in 1910.
Freshman Johnny Mundt, who replaced ailing tight end Colt Lyerla, had 5 catches for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Ducks (3-0). Josh Huff added 6 catches for 125 yards and 1 score.
Oregon’s sloppy play at the start — four penalties for 35 yards in the first quarter — helped Tennessee (2-1) take an early lead, but it was fleeting and the Ducks led 38-7 at halftime.
Justin Worley completed 13 of 25 passes for 127 yards and 1 touchdown for the Volunteers, who opened the season with easy home victories over Austin Peay and Western Kentucky. But Tennessee could not keep up with the speedy Ducks, who had 687 yards in total offense compared to 316 for the Vols.
Oregon was the first of a tough stretch for the Volunteers and Coach Butch Jones: No. 18 Florida, No. 9 Georgia, No. 13 South Carolina and No. 1 Alabama are among Tennessee’s next five opponents.
“It’s unacceptable whether you lose by two or you lose by what we lost by. We’re here to win,” Jones said. “It better hurt.”
Tennessee drove 80 yards in six plays and scored on Worley’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Jason Croom to go up 7-0.
After Mariota’s 19-yard run got the Ducks to the Tennessee 9-yard line, a fumble and a sack pushed Oregon back to the 15. De’Anthony Thomas appeared to have a 4-yard touchdown catch on fourth down, but it was called back because of pass interference on Oregon and the Ducks settled for a 38-yard field goal by Matt Wogan.
Oregon pulled in front before the first quarter ended with Mariota’s 16-yard pass to Mundt. Lyerla was a surprise absence, apparently because of a stomach virus. Oregon would not confirm the reason for his absence.
After Mariota’s 9-yard touchdown run extended the lead, he connected with Josh Huff who ran untouched for a 54-yard scoring reception. The Ducks went up 31-7 on Mariota’s 45-yard touchdown pass to Daryle Hawkins.
Thomas added a 28-yard scoring run for the Ducks before halftime. Tennessee defensive lineman Trevarris Saulsberry was helped from the field following the touchdown, but it was unclear how he was hurt.