Oregon Football: Byron Marshall Named Pit Crew Player of the Game
By Ruben Garcia, Pit Crew Sports Media Feature Writer
The Oregon Pit Crew player of the game is the player who is the epitome of a team player. We will award this to the player who shines through adversity and “puts the team on his back” or the player who displays perfect character in a hostile environment. Above all else, we will award this to the player who wears his University of Oregon uniform with pride, passion, and honor.
One would think the Oregon Ducks would be hindered with arguably the most dynamic playmaker in the nation sitting on their sidelines; however they haven’t missed a beat.
De’Anthony Thomas has been out of game action for three straight games after suffering a nasty ankle sprain in a rain-drenched game against Cal. But there’s a reason the depth chart was invented. When someone goes down, the "next man up" steps in. Byron Marshall, from San Jose, Calif., has not only stepped up but he has not looked back since seeing his role increase for Oregon.
Marshall was a workhouse Saturday evening against the Washington State Cougars, accounting for 192 of Oregon’s 383 rushing yards.
The sophomore back had touchdown runs of 1 yard, 26 yards, and 30 yards. As if that weren’t enough, Marshall also had 2 catches for 54 yards.
Yesterday’s game marked the fourth straight game in which Marshall has rushed for more than 100 yards in his career. The backup is on an absolute tear since earning more minutes.
He eclipsed career-highs in both touchdowns in a game and rushing yards in a game.
Marshall’s unbelievable emerging dominance and Thomas Tyner’s tough running attack is striking fear in defenses all across the nation. Oregon has the second best rushing attack in college football and will only improve once De’Anthony is fully healthy.
Marcus Mariota, Byron Marshall, De'Anthony Thomas and Thomas Tyner have displayed a unique dominance on the ground, reminiscent of the Arkansas Razorbacks when they displayed the likes of Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis.
With this much talent on the field, the college football world better look out.
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(Photo: Eric Evans Photography)
(Design: Dan Boyer/Pit Crew)