Oregon Football: Grading All 22 Starters from the Fiesta Bowl

Despite numerous rumors swirling around the future of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, the Oregon Ducks came out on a mission in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

They pasted the Kansas State Wildcats 35-17 in a game that was never really close after Oregon scored a touchdown just before halftime.

Freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota showed great leadership throughout the game, and the defense showed the Wildcats' offense a level of physicality they haven't seen before.

Let's give each Oregon starter a final grade for their performance.

Note: Tony Washington appeared to start in place of Boseko Lokombo, and Ricky Heimuli got the start at D-line over Wade Keliikipi, but all four players received extensive playing time.

QB, Marcus Mariota

Final Grade: A

Marcus Mariota finished the game 12-of-24 for 166 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 62 yards rushing and another touchdown on the ground.

The only reason he doesn't get the "plus" tacked on was because he missed several throws that could have extended the lead even further, most notably an overthrow to a wide-open Josh Huff in the end zone.

Nonetheless, he didn't make any major mistakes and appeared to have total command of the offense throughout the game.

RB, Kenjon Barner

Final Grade: A

Running back Kenjon Barner had a sneaky-good performance in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, piling up 143 yards on 30 carries.

But his biggest play came at the end of the first half with time running out as Mariota found Barner on the sideline for a 24-yard touchdown.

Barner finishes his career as one of the most decorated backs in Oregon history, and his final performance gave fans one last great memory of him.

WR, Josh Huff

Final Grade: B

Josh Huff didn't have much of an impact in the receiving game with only three catches for 26 yards, but his downfield blocking was superb.

In fact, Barner may not have reached the end zone in the first half if Huff hadn't been blocking his man by the goal line.

He dropped what looked to be a sure touchdown pass in the third quarter, but his overall impact was very positive.

WR, Keanon Lowe

Final Grade: C

Despite not having a single catch, Keanon Lowe earns himself an average grade for his impressive blocking downfield.

Lowe's play doesn't often jump off the screen, but he's been a consistent target all season. However, he could have played a better game by getting open with Mariota scrambling on several occasions.

WR, Daryle Hawkins

Final Grade: C-

This is a tough grade to give, because Hawkins also contributed to the blocking effort at the second level of play.

But he failed to hold on to a pass from Mariota that would have given the Ducks a big first down. He took a major hit upon receiving the ball, so it's not entirely his fault. But some receivers would have held on to the ball, and Hawkins didn't.

TE, Colt Lyerla

Final Grade: B+

Despite catching only three passes, Lyerla totaled 52 yards on those grabs and was a major part of the momentum swing at the end of the first half.

You'll rarely see this hulking tight end go down after initial contact, but it's his ability to stretch the field with his quickness that truly makes him dangerous.

If it weren't for Lyerla streaking down the middle of the field toward the end of the first half, the Ducks' offense might still be stuck in the mud.

WR/RB, De'Anthony Thomas

Final Grade: A+

The Kansas State Wildcats must have been sick of hearing all about Oregon's speed leading up to this game.

They finally got to see it in action as De'Anthony Thomas returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.

Thomas also finished with four catches for 60 yards and another touchdown on a perfectly executed screen pass.

Offensive Line

Final Grade: A

The Oregon offensive line came to play in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl as they paved the way for the Ducks' 218 yards rushing.

They only allowed one sack, and it came on a play where Mariota had more than enough time to get rid of the ball.

When the Ducks are clicking, it's because of the offensive line and in this game, this group shined.

DE, Taylor Hart

Final Grade: B+

Taylor Hart is one of the most underrated players on the Ducks' defense, and to the delight of everybody in Eugene, he still has another year of eligibility.

In this particular game, he was part of a dominating defensive line that allowed just 132 yards on the ground. Hart rarely got pushed around, and the result was memorable.

DT, Isaac Remington

Final Grade: A

Isaac Remington stood out on the defensive line all game long. His ability to penetrate into the backfield led to one of Collin Klein's least-productive games on the ground.

As a team, the Wildcats averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, and Remington was a major part of that.

DT, Ricky Heimuli

Final Grade: B

Ricky Heimuli got the start in place of Wade Keliikipi, and he battled throughout the night.

Kansas State running back John Hubert had just 55 yards on 17 carries, and Heimuli played a large role in the effort.

DE, Dion Jordan

Final Grade: C-

The reason for such a low grade isn't entirely Dion Jordan's fault, as he left the game early on due to an apparent injury and didn't return in the second half.

He had a nice tackle of Klein in the first half, but didn't contribute a whole lot beyond that, although he did score on a two-point conversion.

He'll likely find himself playing on Sundays next season.

LB, Michael Clay

Final Grade: A+

Nothing that Michael Clay does surprises anybody at this point, and his performance Thursday night capped off an incredible collegiate career.

Clay not only had a sack, but he flew around the field with speed and quickness. His play was a major reason that the Wildcats' longest gain from scrimmage ended up being just 21 yards.

LB, Kiko Alonso

Final Grade: A+

Kiko Alonso was one of several players who deserved the defensive MVP award in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

He was constantly disrupting the rushing attack by bolting into the backfield at the snap. He runs downhill to the ball, and he'll be sorely missed by the Ducks' linebacking corps next season.

LB, Tony Washington

Final Grade: B

Tony Washington started in place of Boseko Lokombo, and he showed up time and time again around the ball.

His versatility in lining up at linebacker as well as defensive end was a major reason the Ducks' defense played like they did.

CB, Terrance Mitchell

Final Grade: D

Terrance Mitchell had a largely forgettable performance Thursday evening.

He let Chris Harper get open on multiple occasions in the first half, and his pass interference gave Kansas State a first down on the Wildcats' initial scoring drive.

S, Erick Dargan

Final Grade: A+

Erick Dargan started in place of the injured Avery Patterson, and he put on a show that Duck fans will remember for quite some time.

He had two interceptions and his physicality in tackling the Wildcats' skill players had K-State thinking twice about running anywhere near Dargan.

S, Brian Jackson

Final Grade: B+

Brian Jackson played well in the Oregon secondary throughout the game.

But his biggest impact came on a trick play where Collin Klein tossed it back to a receiver who then threw a pass downfield. WR Chris Harper was in position to make the play, but Jackson knocked it loose at the last second.

Jackson was part of a unit that gave up just 151 yards through the air.

CB, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

Final Grade: A

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu continued his excellent sophomore season with an impactful performance Thursday evening against Kansas State.

He'll likely be remembered for his jarring hit on Tyler Lockett, who had just four catches for 35 yards. He'll return next season as one of the nation's top defensive backs.

Special Teams

Final Grade: A-

The only negative part of Oregon's special teams unit was the kick coverage, which gave up an average of 29.3 yards per return.

Aside from that, the Ducks scored on the opening kickoff, punted the ball well and Alejandro Maldonado made both of his field goals.

All in all, a great effort by this group.