Darron Thomas, Quarterback

Best Games: UCLA, 22-31 308 yds, 3 td, 0 int; 5 carries 48 yds

USC, 19-32 288 yds, 4 td, 1 int; 8 carries 42 yds

Worst Game: Cal, 15-29 155 yds. 1 td, 0 int; 17 carries, 30 yds

Thus far this season Thomas has passed all of his first tests: first start, first road game in a hostile environment, conference opener, first big game against a ranked opponent; coming from behind, overcoming a bad start, first close game and defensive struggle, first Civil War.

The National Championship Game is his first bowl game, but Thomas has the demeanor and outlook to handle the challenge. He's proven himself to be steady and unflappable, and extremely cool under pressure. Mistakes don't rattle him. He adjusts quickly, a calming influence on his teammates. Ahead or behind, his approach and urgency don't waver. Thomas has a great makeup for a big-game quarterback, tough physically, very composed. The key to Oregon's tremendous season was the ease and speed with which their young qb adjusted to being The Man. He was consistent and made good decisions, with far fewer mistakes than anyone outside the coaching staff could have expected.

In Glendale, the sophomore star has to handle the frenzied atmosphere with his characteristic optimism and evenness. A good start is crucial. The Ducks need him to be in rhythm. He has to handle the pressure from an athletic front four and take care of the football. He's likely to be hit in this game, sometimes late. He can't force the ball into traffic to avoid a sack. If the pocket collapses, he has to feel it and make quick adjustments and avoid getting stripped. Recognition in the Ducks' option game will limit negative plays.

Last year Jeremiah Masoli was a disaster in the Rose Bowl. Thomas' startling consistency earned his team an undefeated season and a second straight conference championship. There's every reason to believe he'll handle college football's biggest stage with the same composure. He's the perfect guy to lead an underdog team into a packed house.

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