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Oregon struck gold with Marcus Mariota, but has whiffed on QBs since

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Oregon struck gold with Marcus Mariota, but has whiffed on QBs since

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Oregon's struggles in the secondary and at quarterback can be attributed to misses on the recruiting trail. Steve Dykes/Getty Images
  • Erik McKinney, ESPN Staff Writer Close
    • Covers recruiting in the Pac-12
    • Joined ESPN in 2009
    • Graduated from USC
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Despite losing arguably it’s most important players on offense and defense -- quarterback Marcus Mariota and cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu -- few peoplewere predicting Oregon getting off to a 2-2 start by allowing 163 points through four games -- including 23 plays of 20 or more yards -- and by being unable to find sustained rhythm at the quarterback position.