Oregon Football: Mariota’s Shadow Is Shrinking Under Justin Herbert
Oregon Football Quarterback Justin Herbert is finding early success in the 2017 season.
Last season Oregon Football was in trouble on Offense. There was a battle that was won by Dakota Prukup to Start the season, but it did not last. Freshman Justin Herbert was thrown into the fire against Washington and despite the loss, the team embraced their Quarterback, watched through growing pains at Cal and supported him through a rough season that saw Oregon go 4-8.
Entering 2017 there was a new outlook with a new coaching staff. Justin Herbert impressed in Spring and Fall Camp and was named the Starter. The team is now 2-0 and the quiet kid from Sheldon High School has found a voice on the field. He is getting the ball to his Wide Receivers and has key weapons in Royce Freeman and Charles Nelson. The NFL World is also starting to take notice after the Ducks 2-0 start.
While the Oregon Sophomore still has a long way to go in building his young career as a Duck, the Shadow cast over Autzen Stadium by Marcus Mariota is slowly starting to shrink enough that fans will take notice.
In two home games this season he has thrown for over 600 yards. He is responsible for four touchdowns, has just one interception, but the stat that jumps off the page – he has completed close to 78 percent of his passes. Part of the success can he attributed to his Offensive Line that has allowed just one sack.
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Compared to last season, which was not a full year – he was sacked 19 times completing just over 60 percent of his passes through October and November. His passing percentage per play is also up. Last year the team averaged 8 yards per play. In 2017 it is over 10 yards.
The Oregon Offense has been clicking through the first two games of the year. Now, the team takes to the road and a hostile environment. Teams don’t typically do well in Laramie, Wyoming against the Cowboys. The team has an NFL First Round Quarterback in Josh Allen.
The first week of the season saw him throw two interceptions in a loss at Iowa. He suffered a shoulder injury during the game which has healed.
Next: Oregon/Arizona State Meet In Primetime
Oregon faces Wyoming where the elevation may be a factor on Saturday. It will be another challenge for Justin Herbert along the road of the 2017 season. (4pm Pacific Time, CBS Sports Network)