Shortly after the team accepted their berth in the Valero Alamo Bowl opposite the Texas Longhorns, quarterback Marcus Mariota and center Hroniss Grasu were both appreciative of the opportunity that lay ahead of them.

Mariota says he might be fully healthy by Dec. 30

“I think for the most part, guys are going to be excited," Mariota said. "We have a lot of guys that are from Texas, a lot of guys that haven’t been to Texas, so it’s going to be an awesome venue.”

The game on December 30th will serve as a chance for Oregon to not only face one of the most storied programs in college football, but also as a pseudo-recruiting visit in a state rife with high-end high school talent.

Grasu said on Sunday that though the Ducks aren't going to a BCS game, playing the Longhorns isn't a bad draw at all.

"It’s an honor to play in a bowl game against Texas, and I think getting a bowl win would be a big momentum boost for next season," Grasu said.

Mariota was also disappointed that Oregon wasn't given the draw against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, but admitted that the Ducks put themselves in a tough position after losing two games in November.

Now, the sophomore says that the team has to move past that disappointment, look to finish the season with a win, and carry that momentum forward towards 2014.

“To be able to finish the season off right, on a high note, would do a lot for our program, do a lot for coach Helfrich," Mariota said. "It would build a lot of confidence around this community.”