LOS ANGELES >> A downtown hotel ballroom became a three-ring circus Monday morning … a media circus.

In the middle of it all — actually in a corner podium/booth mobbed by reporters, photographers and videographers — sat Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

The Heisman Trophy winner from Honolulu and Saint Louis School remains the star attraction as Thursday’s Rose Bowl approaches and more and more media members arrive daily to cover the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

For Mariota, dealing with huge masses of reporters has become a routine he handles with efficiency, but not one that he generally likes.

“No, not really,” he answered, when asked if he enjoys all the attention. “Well, you know, I don’t like being in the limelight. I don’t like the spotlight. I would prefer just to go about my business and not have to deal with some of the stuff like this. … For me it’s easier to handle some of this spotlight stuff when the team gets it. Honestly, they deserve it, because without them, none of this stuff would be possible.”

As Mariota once again fielded all sorts of questions for the entire half hour of availability, most of his teammates sat at tables, nearly filling the large ballroom. Some — like starting defensive lineman DeForest Buckner of Waianae and Punahou School — were also popular interview subjects, while many others sat idle for the thirty minutes allotted before a loud buzzer sounded ending the interviews.

“It’s amazing to be part of such a great team and great experience,” said offensive lineman Davis Miyashiro-Saipaia, another Punahou alum. Most of the Ducks had been through this sort of thing before, many even at the Rose Bowl specifically, three years ago. But it was all new to Miyashiro-Saipaia, a true freshman.

After Oregon, it was Florida State’s turn, with its Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Jameis Winston, the focal point.

The Seminoles are the defending national champions and have not lost a game since the 2012 season. But they are listed as 8-to-9-point underdogs for Thursday’s games.

Coach Jimbo Fisher was asked if his team feels under-appreciated.

“I don’t know, but I do think what this team has accomplished is pretty significant,” Fisher said. “To be able to win 29 games in a row, win a National Championship, three ACC titles, a Rose Bowl. I think it’s significant for our program.”