First post... how exciting. Been lurking here for a couple years and finally decided to sign up since this season has been so damn exciting. I'm a Bucs and Ducks fan and I've watched Mariota develop for the past 3 years. I obviously have some bias but here is my honest assessment of him...Big Game Moments:He hasn't really done it yet. He won the Fiesta Bowl over KS, the Alamo Bowl over Texas, and he beat Michigan State this year. IMO, he hasn't shown the big game presence that you expect from a Heisman candidate. He finally beat Stanford this year (last year he was hurt the last 6 games of the season - the Ducks curse - Dixon et al) but they aren't the same team. He can still win his FIRST PAC-12 championship and potentially a NCG but that is still far away... so in terms of big game moments, I'd say the jury is still out on that one. He's got a great record but still.Accuracy:One thing you gotta understand, is Mariota is throwing the WRs that are between 5'10" and 6'1"... Recently we've added some size to our WR core but they are young (sophomores). Marcus has a tendency to sail a few throws here and there but again, with elite WR like in Tampa those are grabs, not airballs (although with our history of drops, who knows.) All in all, I like his accuracy especially on 3rd and 4th down. He throws EXTREMELY well out of the pocket and on the move and doesn't just put his head down when he runs (something Hundley does at UCLA.) He throws a great slant and has a nice touch for the dump offs. He doesn't force anything and always seems to learn from his (few) mistakes. Mobility and toughness:Dude is smart, quick bursts with great straight line speed. Honestly though, his zone option read is remarkably average and he needs to assert himself (at the college level) and take the ball more often. He doesn't take too many big hits, has a nose for the chains and escapes about 2-3 sacks per game. Our offensive line has been decimated by injuries, even with Fisher back so keep in mind you are looking at a QB with an average line, average yet fast WRs, and excellent RBs. He also played through an injury for 6 games last year. He needs to add about 10 pounds because he is too lean for the pros IMO. Again, his threat to run and escape out of the pocket will open up 1v1 coverage for our large targets when he rolls out. Fit for Tampa:This is a great fit IMO. For one, his mobility alone will get you 2-4 more first downs per game. Our o-line has improved IMO, so I think that is a recipe for success. He needs RBs with hands likes Sims (hopefully) because he doesn't force the ball (only 2 INTs this year and something like 7 for his career.) He does have a tendency to put the ball of the ground but with some added strength before the combines I see that being minimized. He can throw on the run or from the pocket. He goes through his reads LIKE A PRO. It is phenomenal to watch. Big targets would be his dream come true. I personally (with a bias) love the fit for Tampa. That's not saying Winston isn't a good fit either; I just like this fit MORE. Oregon:I know people wanna point to Akili Smith and Joey Harrington but this just isn't the same... Smith was TERRIBLE at Oregon and Harrington got a pretty raw deal in the pros. Even still, the talent level just isn't comparable. Keep in mind Oregon PASSED on Maziel to take Mariota. Oregon consistently fields first round talent and this year will be no exception (Grassu, Ekpre, Mariota)... Don't let your desire to relegate it to a "system" team blind you when Oregon has top 10 talent... Seriously, ESPNs top 300 recruiting is a JOKE. Oregon does plug players into their system, but that system is mostly just about speed and space. Mariota is the real deal. TL;DRDucks and Bucs fan who wants Mariota in Tampa for obvious reasons...Pros - athleticism but doesn't rely on it, throws from the pocket and on the run very well, big, strong, smart, great character, goes through reads quickly, limited TOs, and obviously the pure speed.Cons - fumble-prone, throws high at times, no big wins, isn't a loud leader, potential injuries
