nERD: 32.41

In his freshman season in Eugene, Marcus Mariota shined bright, with 2,677 yards through the air, 752 on the ground and a total of 38 touchdowns.

He led the Oregon Ducks to an 11-1 regular season record and a season-high AP rank of number one, but the Ducks were on the outside looking in at an undefeated Notre Dame team and the eventual champion Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Ducks would go on to defeat the Kansas State Wildcats in statement fashion, by a score of 35-17, as Mariota tossed two touchdowns and Kenjon Barner ran for 143 yards on 30 carries.

Chip Kelly's team would finish the year second in the nation in adjusted yards (5.98) per rush and with a number two ranking in the final AP poll.