Mariota's return was for a reason: Oregon poised to be one of the nation's top teams (again)

EUGENE, Ore. – All eyes will be on Marcus Mariota when the Ducks take the field this season.

The junior quarterback could have bolted for the NFL this spring but he decided to stay with the Ducks, who were ranked as high as No. 2 last season before two losses took them out of contention for the national championship.

Oregon has been picked to win not only the Pac-12 North but also the league championship by the media who cover the conference. The Ducks rank consistently in the top five in most preseason polls.

A top reason is Mariota, who averaged nearly 282 yards passing per game and threw for 31 touchdowns with only four interceptions last season. He also rushed for 715 yards and nine scores. His 4,380 yards of total offense set a school record.