Mariota Is Heisman Trophy Favorite

Leading his team to a Pac-12 title and a berth in the national semifinals has Marcus Mariota poised to win the biggest individual honor in college football.

The Oregon Ducks quarterback was one of three players named Monday
as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and is seen as the runaway
favorite to win the award after a stunning statistical season.

Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Alabama wide receiver
Amari Cooper were also named as finalists for the award.

The winner will be announced during Saturday's ceremony in New York.

Mariota, a redshirt junior, is the most prolific quarterback in
Oregon history and has led the Ducks (12-1) to 35 wins in his three
seasons as the starter.

He has passed for 3,773 yards and 38 touchdowns this season with
669 yards rushing and another 14 scores. (Metro Networks Inc.)