EUGENE, OR (KPTV) -
The Oregon Ducks will begin the season with a redshirt freshman starting at quarterback.
The team has named Marcus Mariota the starter for the Sept. 1 opener against Arkansas State at Autzen Stadium.
The native of Honolulu, HI, will be the school's first freshman to start a season opener since Danny O'Neil in 1991.
Mariota edged out sophomore Bryan Bennett for the starting job.
Last season, Bennett completed 25 of 46 passes for 369 yards and six touchdowns in eight appearances.
Coming off a Rose Bowl victory last year, the Ducks enter the 2012 football season ranked fifth in both the Associated Press and coaches' polls.
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