Autzen Zoo
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Oregon Players ‘Returing for 2014’ News Upstages USC and Sarkisian

By Justin Phillips

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Nov 29, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws the ball in the last quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to news breaking this week it seems like the Pac 12 was in the center of the news breaking universe. The big news came down on Monday when the USC Trojans announced the hiring of Washington Head Coach Steve Sarkisian as their new head man. A press conference giving him the proper introduction was announced for 2pm Pacific time. At around that time UCLA announced they locked up their coach Jim Mora with a six year deal.

Of course the news that seemed to trump that was that there were two athletes from the University of Oregon who announced something rather important. It was an early Christmas present for Duck fans as Quarterback Marcus Mariota and Center Hroniss Grasu announced they were returning to school for the 2014 season.

In returning the Ducks become instant contenders for the National title in 2014 and more importantly Mariota and company get another crack at knocking off the thorn in their side the last two seasons, Stanford. Of course, you have to weigh the good with the bad. The Oregon QB has spent part of the 2013 season playing injured with a Sprained MCL. He will have the offseason to heal up and begin fresh in 2014. Of course the trek to the National Title won’t begin with a cupcake non conference schedule. The third game of the season brings Michigan State, a 2013 BCS contender, to Autzen Stadium. It will be a solid test for Mariota and company.

Also returning will be Center Hroniss Grasu, who has a wealth of knowledge on looking at and identifying defensive coverage.

We are still awaiting word from several other Oregon players on their respective futures. Senior Ifo Ekpre Olomu and Running Back De’Anthony Thomas will likely release statements of their own by the end of the year.

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