Marcus Mariota: Oregon Ducks ‘Gonna be competitive’ against the Georgia Bulldogs

Marcus Mariota mentioned he was shocked by a query from a radio host throughout a latest interview.

“He seems at me and his query was, ‘Do you suppose they’ll cowl?’ “ Mariota mentioned throughout a video press convention Monday. “And I have a look at him and mentioned, ‘That was probably the most disrespectful query I’ve gotten in the previous few years.’ “

Mariota, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and former Geese’ star, couldn’t consider the host appear to query the Oregon Geese’ skill to hold with the Georgia Bulldogs when the 2 groups meet within the Chick-fil-A Kickoff recreation on Saturday in Atlanta.

Mariota, probably the most embellished participant in Oregon soccer historical past, will function an honorary captain for the Geese on the recreation in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mariota, together with former Georgia operating again Willie McClendon, might be honorary captains for his or her respective alma maters. They’ll be a part of the workforce captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss.

The Geese might be taking part in their first recreation beneath new coach Dan Lanning, who was the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator for the previous three seasons earlier than coming to Eugene. The Geese are a large 17.5-point underdog in opposition to the defending nationwide champions, however Mariota expressed confidence within the Geese.

“They’re gonna be aggressive,” Mariota mentioned. “I actually actually consider they’ve an opportunity to win.”

The sport in opposition to the Bulldogs represents an enormous alternative for the Geese to make a significant assertion to open the season. Mariota mentioned the Geese should keep their poise and never get caught up within the hype of dealing with the Bulldogs, who defeated Alabama 33-18 to win their first nationwide championship since 1980.

“In the event you attempt to deal with it an excessive amount of, it turns into sort of a burden. I actually consider in the event you take it at some point at a time and keep within the current, and ensuring you attempt to enhance whenever you go on the market and follow, you’ll be ready and able to go,” Mariota mentioned. “I feel in the event you targeted on it an excessive amount of, you’re making an attempt to hype it an excessive amount of, you are inclined to play with strain and also you’re sort of tensing up. In the event you play freely and belief the preparation that you simply’ve put in, you’ll play lots higher.”

The chance to observe his Geese compete together with being an honorary captain might be thrilling for Mariota. Mariota mentioned he plans to verify he stays within the second.

“Stepping out for the sport might be surreal,” Mariota mentioned. “It is going to be enjoyable to see numerous acquainted faces. It is going to be enjoyable to see the entire help – the inexperienced and yellow jerseys actually stand out in a pink stadium. I’m excited for all that. I’m simply excited to take all of it in.”