2007 Oregon Ducks football team
Encyclopedia
The 2007 Oregon Ducks football team represents the University of Oregon
in the college football
season of 2007. The team is coached by Mike Bellotti
and plays their home games at Autzen Stadium
.
The Ducks rose to a national rank of number 2 in the Bowl Championship Series
poll, until an injury to star quarterback Dennis Dixon
led to defeat at the hands of the on November 15, 2007. The Ducks lost to Arizona 34-24 in that game. They lost the next game to UCLA in Los Angeles as backup quarterback Brady Leaf was also knocked out of the game. The final score was 16-0. Oregon lost the season finale to rival Oregon State
on December 1, 2007 by a score of 38-31 in two overtimes. Oregon finished the season at 8-4 and qualified for the 2007 Sun Bowl
in El Paso
.
On December 31, 2007 freshman quarterback Justin Roper, making his first start, passed for 4 touchdowns (tied for a Sun Bowl record) and 180 yards as Oregon crushed the favored South Florida Bulls
56-21. Jonathan Stewart
rushed for a Sun Bowl record and career high 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The 56 points scored by the Ducks was a Sun Bowl record. The Ducks finished the 2007 season with a 9-4 record. They finished with a ranking of 23rd in the final Associated Press Poll.
experienced an incredibly disappointing end to a season last year. After beginning the year with four wins and no losses, and achieving a #11 ranking in the AP Poll
, the Ducks traveled to Berkeley to face the #16 ranked Bears. Unfortunately this game ended in a blowout against the Ducks. The Ducks then went on to win only three of the final eight games, which included a heartbreaking 28-30 loss to the Beavers in which a late Oregon field goal was blocked by the Beavers. The Ducks did play in a bowl game, representing the Pac-10 in the 2006 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks ended the season with a 38-8 loss to the 20th ranked Brigham Young Cougars.
, Oregon's Offensive Coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, resigned to perform the same duties with Louisiana State University
, the University of Oregon hired University of New Hampshire
Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly
. While at UNH, Kelly's offenses averaged greater than 400 yards a game in seven of his eight years and over 30 points a game for the previous four years.
April 28 - Green defeated White 20-6 in the 2007 spring game.
April 29 - Jordan Kent
, Dante Rosario
, and Matt Toeaina
were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft
. Dante Rosario was selected by the Carolina Panthers
as the 18th pick in the fifth round. Matt Toeaina was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals
as the 13th pick in the sixth round. Jordan Kent was selected by the Seattle Seahawks
as the 36th pick in the sixth round.
May 9 - Former Oregon Running Back Ahmad Rashad
, also known as Bobby Moore, was selected to the Class of 2007 entering the College Football Hall of Fame
.
July 26 - During the Pac-10's media day, the pre-season media poll picks the Ducks to finish 6th in the Pac-10.
Oregon's Dennis Dixon ran for 141 yards, with an 80-yard run that resulted in a touchdown. Dixon also threw for 134 yards and two touchdowns, completing nine of 15 passes. Houston's Anthony Alridge converted 22 carries into 205 yards and one touchdown. Adridge also caught three passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Dixon's 141 rushing yards were the most by an Oregon quarterback since Tony Graziani's 108 yards against Oregon State in 1995. The score was tied at 20 points in the third quarter when Houston's Case Keenum attempted to throw a pass to Perry McDaniel in the end zone, but it was intercepted by Patrick Chung. The Ducks then went ahead 27 to 20 after Dixon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brian Paysinger. Forty seconds after the Paysinger touchdown, Dixon threw another to Jaison Williams, putting the Ducks up 34 to 20. Houston scored once more and Oregon twice more as the Ducks beat Houston 48 to 27.
The game was also notable for a skirmish between the Ducks' mascot and the Cougars' mascot. The student fulfilling the role of the Duck was suspended soon after. The fight can be viewed on YouTube.
This game was Michigan's
worst defeat since 1968 when they lost 50 to 14 at Ohio State. Dennis Dixon accounted for 368 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns. Three touchdowns were thrown to three different receivers for 85, 61, and 45 yard scoring passes on Dixon's way to 292 throwing yards. Dixon also rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown. The Ducks led by 25 at halftime, and faced little opposition in the second half. According to Oregon coach Mike Bellotti the game was a "good win because I think there were some questions about how Michigan was going to bounce back, and whether we would be competitive. I think our players took that to heart." With this game Michigan opened the season with two home losses, the first time that had happened since 1959. It also gave them a losing streak of four games, the most in four decades. Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said "We have good kids and they're hurting. If losing doesn't make you hurt, you shouldn't be at Michigan."
Oregon's 52-21 defeat of Fresno State was Bellotti's 100th win as a coach at the University of Oregon. Dennis Dixon threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Ducks running back Jonathan Stewart ran for 165 yards and scored two touchdowns, one touchdown being part of an 88-yard run. Dixon said "The sky's the limit right now. This offense is really clicking." Although Dixon didn't put up numbers as impressive as he did at Michigan the previous week, he had a solid performance, completing 14 for 20 passes for 139 yards and running for 59 yards. Oregon's mascot was suspended and watched the game, but not from the sidelines. Fresno State's quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 18-32 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. The loss was Fresno State's second against a ranked team on the road. The previous week the Bulldogs lost 47-45 to Texas A&M in triple overtime. Fresno State coach Pat Hill said "[h]ow many times do I have to say it? We got dominated in all three phases. We got beat pretty good today. That doesn't happen at Fresno State very often. Today we got beat by a better football team. They took it to us. End of conversation."
The Ducks beat the Cardinal 55 to 31.
The Bears defeated the Ducks 31 to 24. ESPN College GameDay was present (Corso picked Ducks to win)
The Ducks defeated the Cougars 53 to 7.
The Ducks defeated the Huskies 55 to 34.
The Ducks defeated the Trojans 24 to 17. Oregon's defensive back Matthew Harper interception on USC's final drive preserved Oregon's victory. Harper said "We knew somebody would make the play, and luckily it was me." Oregon's victory set them up for a chance at the national championship. Number 12 USC (No. 9 AP) lost after Oregon's Jonathan Stewart rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns, while Dennis Dixon completed 16 of 25 passes for 157 yards. Oregon was fifth in the BCS standings, and Dixon became a serious Heisman contender with his 76 rushing yards and 157 passing yards.
In a game that was considered important enough for ESPN's College Gameday to be broadcast in Eugene, the Oregon Ducks defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 35-23. Heisman hopeful Dennis Dixon threw for 189 yards and 4 touchdowns and led the Ducks to a victory that places Oregon in the lead for the Pac-10 championship.
After the Ducks scored a touchdown on their first possession, a 26 yard pass to WR Jaison Williams, the Sun Devils began to march down the field. Showing the same poise as Dixon, ASU QB Rudy Carpenter led the Devils to the Oregon 2 yard line before the Oregon defense lived up to their "bend but don't break" style and held ASU to a field goal. That goal line stop would set the tone for the remainder of the game as Oregon held Arizona State to only 3 points in the first quarter and 13 in the first half.
Trailing 13-21 at the half, Arizona State was able to make a field goal on their first possession in the second half, cutting the Oregon lead to 5. However the Ducks were able to score the next 14 points of the game, giving the Ducks a 35-16 lead with one quarter left to play. Unfortunately approximately 2 minutes into the fourth quarter, Dennis Dixon was taken out after an awkward tackle and sat out the remainder of the game. Luckily his injury did not seem serious and he was seen jogging on the sidelines soon afterwards.
Arizona State did score one more touchdown later in the fourth quarter, making the score its final 35-23. In a game which Rudy Carpenter was sacked 9 times, it seemed only fitting that the last play of the game was a sack as time ran out.
The Ducks entered the game ranked #2 in both the AP poll and the BCS standings. A win in this game, followed by wins against UCLA and Oregon State, would almost assuredly result in a berth in the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans. The Ducks started the game hot, with a 39 yard touchdown run by Dennis Dixon and a successful two point conversion. Following an Arizona interception, the Ducks had the ball back on the Arizona 4 yard line threatening to score again. However, Dixon threw an interception that was returned 45 yards and eventually capitalized by the Wildcats as a touchdown, cutting the score to 8-7. The Ducks responded with another solid drive getting the ball to the Arizona 15 and looked set to score again. On 2nd and 7, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon (the leading Heisman candidate at this point of the season) fell to the ground without being touched. Upon review it was clear that Dixon twisted his already-injured knee and tore his ACL. It would later be revealed that Dixon had actually torn the ligament in the previous week's game against Arizona State
.
Following the injury, Dixon—having amassed 183 yards on 19 plays—was replaced by Brady Leaf. Oregon's misfortunes mounted: Arizona scored a touchdown on an interception return, another on a punt return, and Leaf suffered an ankle injury, all before halftime. Oregon tried to rally from the 14-31 halftime deficit, but lost 24-34, ending their National Championship hopes. The following day it was announced that Dixon's injury would end his season, and any hopes of a Heisman Trophy.
The 111th Civil War
, the Ducks now lead 55-46-10 in the series all time. This was the first time the home team had not won since 1996, the first time Oregon State
had won at Autzen Stadium
since 1993, and the first time Oregon State
had won two years in a row since 1973-74.
After losing the last 3 games of the year, many analysts expected the Ducks to fair poorly in the Sun Bowl. But the Ducks came out strong. Making his first career start, freshman quarterback Justin Roper completed 17 of 30 passes for 180 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Jonathan Stewart rushed for a career high and Sun Bowl record 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the Most Valuable Player of the game.
Oregon, despite being a 7 point underdog, dominated the game, especially the second half. Holding on to a 18-14 lead at the half, Oregon came out and outscored South Florida 28-0 in the third quarter. The Ducks won 56-21. The 56 points scored was a Sun Bowl record. Jonathan Stewart's 253 rushing yards were a Sun Bowl record. The 35-point margin of victory was the second largest of the 2007-2008 bowl season. The Ducks finished the season 9-4 with their first bowl win since the 2001 season. They finished the season ranked 23rd in the final Associated Press Poll.
class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;">
Team Opp
Avg per Game
467.5
382.0
Fumbles-Lost
29-14
18-13
Penalties-Yards
79-715
83-696
Avg per Game
55.0
53.5
Punts-Yards
83-3,431
Avg per Punt
41.4
41.3
Time of Possession/Game
28:37
31:23
class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;">
Team Opp
3rd Down Conversions
89/207
67/205
4th Down Conversions
6/14
9/21
Touchdowns Scored
62
36
Field Goals-Attempts
19-24
18-24
PAT-Attempts
59-59
33-34
Attendance
411,915
334,054
Neutral Attendance
49,867
Games/Avg per Game
7/58,845
5/66,811
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
in the college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
season of 2007. The team is coached by Mike Bellotti
Mike Bellotti
Robert Michael "Mike" Bellotti is a college football analyst for ESPN and ABC. A native of California, he was hired as football offensive coordinator by the University of Oregon in 1989. From 1995 to 2009, he was the head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team...
and plays their home games at Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
.
The Ducks rose to a national rank of number 2 in the Bowl Championship Series
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
poll, until an injury to star quarterback Dennis Dixon
Dennis Dixon
Dennis Lee Dixon, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
led to defeat at the hands of the on November 15, 2007. The Ducks lost to Arizona 34-24 in that game. They lost the next game to UCLA in Los Angeles as backup quarterback Brady Leaf was also knocked out of the game. The final score was 16-0. Oregon lost the season finale to rival Oregon State
2007 Oregon State Beavers football team
The 2007 Oregon State Beavers football team represented Oregon State University in the college football season of 2007-2008. The team's head coach is Mike Riley. Home games are played at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon.-Season notes:...
on December 1, 2007 by a score of 38-31 in two overtimes. Oregon finished the season at 8-4 and qualified for the 2007 Sun Bowl
2007 Sun Bowl
The 2007 Brut Sun Bowl, part of the 2007-08 NCAA football bowl games season, was played on December 31, 2007 at Sun Bowl Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas, El Paso between the South Florida Bulls and the Oregon Ducks....
in El Paso
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
.
On December 31, 2007 freshman quarterback Justin Roper, making his first start, passed for 4 touchdowns (tied for a Sun Bowl record) and 180 yards as Oregon crushed the favored South Florida Bulls
2007 South Florida Bulls football team
The 2007 University of South Florida Bulls football team represented the University of South Florida in the 2007 college football season. Their head coach was Jim Leavitt, and the USF Bulls will played all of their home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL...
56-21. Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
rushed for a Sun Bowl record and career high 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The 56 points scored by the Ducks was a Sun Bowl record. The Ducks finished the 2007 season with a 9-4 record. They finished with a ranking of 23rd in the final Associated Press Poll.
Previous Season
The 2006 Oregon Ducks2006 Oregon Ducks football team
The 2006 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon in college football's 2006 season. The team was coached by Mike Bellotti and played their home games in Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States....
experienced an incredibly disappointing end to a season last year. After beginning the year with four wins and no losses, and achieving a #11 ranking in the AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
, the Ducks traveled to Berkeley to face the #16 ranked Bears. Unfortunately this game ended in a blowout against the Ducks. The Ducks then went on to win only three of the final eight games, which included a heartbreaking 28-30 loss to the Beavers in which a late Oregon field goal was blocked by the Beavers. The Ducks did play in a bowl game, representing the Pac-10 in the 2006 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks ended the season with a 38-8 loss to the 20th ranked Brigham Young Cougars.
Pre-season
February 2 - After Gary CrowtonGary Crowton
-External links:* *...
, Oregon's Offensive Coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, resigned to perform the same duties with Louisiana State University
LSU Tigers football
The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States in NCAA Division I FBS college football. Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. Since 1999 when Nick Saban took over as...
, the University of Oregon hired University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire is a public university in the University System of New Hampshire , United States. The main campus is in Durham, New Hampshire. An additional campus is located in Manchester. With over 15,000 students, UNH is the largest university in New Hampshire. The university is...
Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly
Chip Kelly
Charles "Chip" Kelly is the head football coach at the University of Oregon. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football today, the 2009 and 2010 Pac-10 Coach of the Year, 2010 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, 2010 Walter Camp Coach of the Year, 2010 Sporting...
. While at UNH, Kelly's offenses averaged greater than 400 yards a game in seven of his eight years and over 30 points a game for the previous four years.
April 28 - Green defeated White 20-6 in the 2007 spring game.
April 29 - Jordan Kent
Jordan Kent
Jordan Russell Kent is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.-Early years:Kent attended Winston...
, Dante Rosario
Dante Rosario
Dante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, and Matt Toeaina
Matt Toeaina
Matt Toeaina is an American football defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is from Pago Pago, American Samoa and played college football at Oregon.-Cincinnati Bengals:Toeaina was...
were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft
NFL Draft
The National Football League Draft is an annual event in which the National Football League teams select eligible college football players and it is their most common source of player recruitment. The basic design of the draft is each team is given a position in the drafting order in reverse order...
. Dante Rosario was selected by the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
as the 18th pick in the fifth round. Matt Toeaina was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
as the 13th pick in the sixth round. Jordan Kent was selected by the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
as the 36th pick in the sixth round.
May 9 - Former Oregon Running Back Ahmad Rashad
Ahmad Rashad
Ahmad Rashād is an American sportscaster and former professional football player. An All-American running back and wide receiver from Oregon known as Bobby Moore, Rashad was the fourth overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft, drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals...
, also known as Bobby Moore, was selected to the Class of 2007 entering the College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
.
July 26 - During the Pac-10's media day, the pre-season media poll picks the Ducks to finish 6th in the Pac-10.
2007 Recruiting Class
The 2007 University of Oregon Football Recruiting Class was selected by Scout.com as the 9th best recruiting class of 2007 and was selected by Rivals.com as the 11th best recruiting class of 2007. The University of Oregon signed 27 High School Seniors and 2 Junior College Transfers.Schedule
ESPN College Gameday- ESPN College Gameday was broadcast live from Eugene, OR on September 29 for the game between then ranked #6 CaliforniaCalifornia Golden Bears footballThe California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
and then ranked #11 Oregon.
- ESPN College Gameday was broadcast live from Eugene, OR on November 3 for the game between then ranked #6 Arizona StateArizona State Sun Devils footballThe Arizona State Sun Devils' football program represents Arizona State University in college football, and competes in NCAA Division I FBS as a member of the Pacific-12 Conference....
and then ranked #4 Oregon.
Roster
| (as of 11/18/2007) | ||||
Center
Cornerbacks
Defensive Backs
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Free Safety
Halfbacks
|
Linebackers
Long Snappers
Offensive Guards
Offensive Linemen
Offensive Tackles
Punters
Place Kickers
|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Rovers
Strong Side Linebackers
Tight Ends
Wide Receivers
|
||
| * Injured | ||||
Coaching staff
- Mike BellottiMike BellottiRobert Michael "Mike" Bellotti is a college football analyst for ESPN and ABC. A native of California, he was hired as football offensive coordinator by the University of Oregon in 1989. From 1995 to 2009, he was the head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team...
- Head Coach - Steve Greatwood - Offensive Line
- Nick Aliotti - Defensive Coordinator
- Chip Kelly - Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks
- Gary Campbell - Running Backs
- Michael Gray - Defensive Line
- John Neal - Secondary
- Tom Osborne - Tight Ends & Special Teams
- Don Pellum - Linebackers & Recruiting Coordinator
- Robin Pflugrad - Wide Receivers
- Jim Radcliffe - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Eddy Morrissey - Graduate Assistant Coach
- Jeff Hawkins - Assistant Athletic Director/Football Operations
Awards
- Mike BellottiMike BellottiRobert Michael "Mike" Bellotti is a college football analyst for ESPN and ABC. A native of California, he was hired as football offensive coordinator by the University of Oregon in 1989. From 1995 to 2009, he was the head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team...
- Selected as a semifinalist for the George Munger AwardGeorge Munger AwardThe George Munger Award was presented to the NCAA Division I college football coach of the year by the Maxwell Football Club from 1989 to 2009. The award was named after former University of Pennsylvania head coach George Munger...
for College Coach of the Year. - Named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant College Football Coach of the Year award.
- Selected as a semifinalist for the George Munger Award
- Patrick ChungPatrick Chung-New England Patriots:Chung was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed with the Patriots on July 27, 2009. In Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans on October 18, Chung was credited with his first career interception...
- Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference First Team Defense.
- Dennis DixonDennis DixonDennis Lee Dixon, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- Awarded Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week, USA Today Player of the Week, and Rivals.com Player of the Week for his efforts against the Michigan WolverinesMichigan Wolverines footballThe Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
on September 8. - Awarded Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Stanford CardinalStanford Cardinal footballThe Stanford Cardinal football program represents Stanford University in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference's North Division. Stanford, the top-ranked academic institution with an FBS program, has a highly successful football tradition. The...
on September 22. - Named to the Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
watch list. - Named a finalist for the Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
along with Darren McFaddenDarren McFaddenDarren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
and Tim TebowTim TebowTimothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
. - Named as one of 15 National Scholar-Athletes by The National Football FoundationNational Football FoundationThe National Football Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1947 by General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army Black Knights football coach Earl "Red" Blaik and journalist Grantland Rice...
& College Football Hall of FameCollege Football Hall of FameThe College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
and is now a finalist for the Draddy TrophyDraddy TrophyThe William V. Campbell trophy, formerly the Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, is a trophy awarded by the National Football Foundation that is given to the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance...
. - Selected as one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien AwardDavey O'Brien AwardThe Davey O'Brien Award, officially the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, named after Davey O'Brien, is presented annually to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the Davey O'Brien Foundation to be the best of all National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks. The...
. - Named a finalist for the Davey O'Brien AwardDavey O'Brien AwardThe Davey O'Brien Award, officially the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, named after Davey O'Brien, is presented annually to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the Davey O'Brien Foundation to be the best of all National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks. The...
along with Tim TebowTim TebowTimothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
and Chase DanielChase DanielWilliam Chase Daniel is an American football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
. - Awarded Pac-10 Offensive Co-Player of the Week for his efforts against the Arizona State Sun DevilsArizona State Sun Devils footballThe Arizona State Sun Devils' football program represents Arizona State University in college football, and competes in NCAA Division I FBS as a member of the Pacific-12 Conference....
on November 3. - Selected to the ESPN the MagazineESPN The MagazineESPN The Magazine is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network in Bristol, Connecticut in the United States. The first issue was published on March 11, 1998....
Academic All-District 8 first team by college and university sports information directors throughout the western portion of the United States and Canada. District 8 includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, British Columbia and the Yukon. Dixon is now eligible for ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American consideration. - Named as one of 15 players eligible for the Walter Camp Player of the Year AwardWalter Camp AwardThe Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
. - Front runner for the Heisman TrophyHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
according to ESPN panelists before suffering a torn ACL, effectively ending his season during the game at ArizonaArizona Wildcats footballThe Arizona Wildcats football team is the football team of the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level.-Early years:...
. - Announced as one of five finalists for the Walter Camp AwardWalter Camp AwardThe Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
, the other four finalists were Chase DanielChase DanielWilliam Chase Daniel is an American football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
, Matt RyanMatt Ryan (American football)Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
, Tim TebowTim TebowTimothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
, and Darren McFaddenDarren McFaddenDarren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
. - Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference First Team Offense, as well as the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year.
- Awarded Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week, USA Today Player of the Week, and Rivals.com Player of the Week for his efforts against the Michigan Wolverines
- Matt Evensen
- Selected as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza AwardLou Groza AwardThe Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the top college football placekicker in the United States by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award is named after former Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns player Lou Groza.-Winners:...
by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
- Selected as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award
- Matthew Harper
- Awarded Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week and National Defensive Player of the Week by the Master Coaches Survey for his efforts against the Southern California Trojans on October 28.
- Nick ReedNick ReedNicholas Matthew Reed is an American football defensive end, formerly with the Chicago Bears, now a Free Agent.- Early years :...
- Named to the Ted Hendricks AwardTed Hendricks AwardThe Ted Hendricks Award is given annually to college football's top defensive end. The award is named after Ted Hendricks, who is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is presented by his own 501 foundation, called the Ted Hendricks...
watch list. - Awarded Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week and National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football FoundationWalter Camp Football FoundationThe Walter Camp Football Foundation is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA. The organization also presents various awards.-Awards:*Walter Camp Player of the Year*CT Player of the Year...
for his efforts against the Washington State CougarsWashington State Cougars footballThe Washington State Cougars football team is the intercollegiate football team of Washington State University. The team is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference...
on October 13. - Awarded Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Arizona State Sun DevilsArizona State Sun Devils footballThe Arizona State Sun Devils' football program represents Arizona State University in college football, and competes in NCAA Division I FBS as a member of the Pacific-12 Conference....
on November 3. - Selected to the ESPN the MagazineESPN The MagazineESPN The Magazine is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network in Bristol, Connecticut in the United States. The first issue was published on March 11, 1998....
Academic All-District 8 first team by college and university sports information directors throughout the western portion of the United States and Canada. District 8 includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, British Columbia and the Yukon. Reed is now eligible for ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American consideration. - Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference First Team Defense.
- Named to the Ted Hendricks Award
- Geoff SchwartzGeoff SchwartzGeoffrey Isaiah Schwartz is an American football offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
- Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference Second Team Offense.
- Jonathan StewartJonathan StewartJonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
- Named to the Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
watch list. - Awarded Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Washington HuskiesWashington Huskies footballCollege football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by...
on October 20. - Named as one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker AwardDoak Walker AwardThe Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
. - Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference First Team Offense and Second Team Specialists as a Kickoff Returner.
- Named to the Maxwell Award
- Fenuki TupouFenuki TupouFenuki Tupou is an American football guard who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.-Early years:...
- Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference Second Team Offense.
- Max UngerMax UngerMaxwell McCandless Unger is an NFL center for the Seattle Seahawks. He played high school football at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Hawaii, and college football for the University of Oregon.-College career:...
- Selected to the Pac-10 All Conference First Team Offense.
- Jaison Williams
- Named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Team Records
- On September 8, the Oregon Ducks played in front of 109,733 spectators at the University of Michigan'sMichigan Wolverines footballThe Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
Michigan StadiumMichigan StadiumMichigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House," is the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 and had an original capacity of 72,000. Before playing football at the stadium, the Wolverines played on Ferry Field...
, this total bettered their previous record of 102,247 spectators at the 1995 Rose Bowl against Penn StatePenn State Nittany Lions footballThe Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the...
.
- On September 29, 59,273 fans packed Autzen StadiumAutzen StadiumAutzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
, making it at the time the largest crowd to attend a football game in state history. The previous record was 59,269 against the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
on September 16, 2006.
- On October 20, against the Washington HuskiesWashington Huskies footballCollege football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by...
, the Oregon Ducks set a school record for rushing yards in a single game by the entire team, their total was 465 yards. The previous record was 446 yards against the Washington State CougarsWashington State Cougars footballThe Washington State Cougars football team is the intercollegiate football team of Washington State University. The team is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference...
in 2001. Also, during the game against the HuskiesWashington Huskies footballCollege football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by...
, RB Jonathan StewartJonathan StewartJonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
ran for 251 yards, which was good enough for the second highest total rushing yards in a single game by an individual in Oregon football history. The current record is 285 yards, held by Onterrio SmithOnterrio SmithOnterrio Raymond Lloyd Smith is a former professional American football Running back who played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League...
during the game against Washington StateWashington State Cougars footballThe Washington State Cougars football team is the intercollegiate football team of Washington State University. The team is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference...
in 2001.
- On October 27, 59,277 fans filled Autzen StadiumAutzen StadiumAutzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
, making it the largest crowd to attend a football game in state history. The previous record was 59,273 against the California BearsCalifornia Golden Bears footballThe California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
on September 29.
- Also on October 27, the crowd at Autzen StadiumAutzen StadiumAutzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
reached a noise level of 127.2 decibels, making it the loudest stadium in college football. The previous college record was 126 decibels at Clemson'sClemson TigersThe Clemson Tigers are any team that represents Clemson University as a member of the NCAA's Division I or in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference....
Memorial StadiumMemorial Stadium, ClemsonFrank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, popularly known as Death Valley, is home to the Clemson University Tigers, a NCAA Division I-A football team, located in Clemson, South Carolina...
. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the loudest outdoor stadium is Mile High StadiumMile High StadiumMile High Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, that stood in Denver, Colorado, from 1948 until 2001.It hosted the Denver Broncos, of the AFL and the NFL, from 1960-2000, the Colorado Rockies, of the National League, of the MLB, from 1993-1994, the Colorado Rapids, of MLS, from 1996-2001, the...
, whose crowd reached a level of 128.7 decibels. However, this is not true, as during the October 6, 2007 game between the University of Florida @ Louisiana State University, CBS recorded 129.8 decibels.
- On November 3, for consecutive weeks the Oregon record for number of individuals at a football game had fallen. For the game against the Arizona State Sun DevilsArizona State Sun Devils footballThe Arizona State Sun Devils' football program represents Arizona State University in college football, and competes in NCAA Division I FBS as a member of the Pacific-12 Conference....
59,379 people were in attendance at Autzen StadiumAutzen StadiumAutzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
. The previous record was set on October 27 at 59,277 in attendance.
- Also on November 3, Dennis Dixon broke the team record for career yards by a quarterback. The previous record was 1,171 yards by Reggie Ogborn between 1979 and 1980.
Houston @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 9/15, 134 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Dennis Dixon: 15 Carries, 141 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Brian Paysinger: 4 Receptions, 63 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Jeremiah Johnson: 11 Carries, 70 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Jaison Williams: 2 Receptions, 31 Yards, 1 Touchdown | |
| Jonathan Stewart: 14 Carries, 67 Yards | Garren Strong: 2 Receptions, 31 Yards |
Oregon's Dennis Dixon ran for 141 yards, with an 80-yard run that resulted in a touchdown. Dixon also threw for 134 yards and two touchdowns, completing nine of 15 passes. Houston's Anthony Alridge converted 22 carries into 205 yards and one touchdown. Adridge also caught three passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Dixon's 141 rushing yards were the most by an Oregon quarterback since Tony Graziani's 108 yards against Oregon State in 1995. The score was tied at 20 points in the third quarter when Houston's Case Keenum attempted to throw a pass to Perry McDaniel in the end zone, but it was intercepted by Patrick Chung. The Ducks then went ahead 27 to 20 after Dixon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brian Paysinger. Forty seconds after the Paysinger touchdown, Dixon threw another to Jaison Williams, putting the Ducks up 34 to 20. Houston scored once more and Oregon twice more as the Ducks beat Houston 48 to 27.
The game was also notable for a skirmish between the Ducks' mascot and the Cougars' mascot. The student fulfilling the role of the Duck was suspended soon after. The fight can be viewed on YouTube.
Oregon @ Michigan
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 16/25, 292 Yards, 3 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 15 Carries, 111 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Brian Paysinger: 4 Receptions, 97 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Brady Leaf: 1/1, 1 Yard | Jeremiah Johnson: 13 Carries, 89 Yards | Derrick Jones: 3 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Dennis Dixon: 16 Carries, 76 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 73 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
This game was Michigan's
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
worst defeat since 1968 when they lost 50 to 14 at Ohio State. Dennis Dixon accounted for 368 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns. Three touchdowns were thrown to three different receivers for 85, 61, and 45 yard scoring passes on Dixon's way to 292 throwing yards. Dixon also rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown. The Ducks led by 25 at halftime, and faced little opposition in the second half. According to Oregon coach Mike Bellotti the game was a "good win because I think there were some questions about how Michigan was going to bounce back, and whether we would be competitive. I think our players took that to heart." With this game Michigan opened the season with two home losses, the first time that had happened since 1959. It also gave them a losing streak of four games, the most in four decades. Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said "We have good kids and they're hurting. If losing doesn't make you hurt, you shouldn't be at Michigan."
Fresno State @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 14/20, 139 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 17 Carries, 165 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Jaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards |
| Brady Leaf: 1/3, 15 Yards | Dennis Dixon: 8 Carries, 59 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Jeremiah Johnson: 1 Reception, 35 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Andre Crenshaw: 11 Carries, 52 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Ed Dickson: 3 Receptions, 27 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
Oregon's 52-21 defeat of Fresno State was Bellotti's 100th win as a coach at the University of Oregon. Dennis Dixon threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Ducks running back Jonathan Stewart ran for 165 yards and scored two touchdowns, one touchdown being part of an 88-yard run. Dixon said "The sky's the limit right now. This offense is really clicking." Although Dixon didn't put up numbers as impressive as he did at Michigan the previous week, he had a solid performance, completing 14 for 20 passes for 139 yards and running for 59 yards. Oregon's mascot was suspended and watched the game, but not from the sidelines. Fresno State's quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 18-32 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. The loss was Fresno State's second against a ranked team on the road. The previous week the Bulldogs lost 47-45 to Texas A&M in triple overtime. Fresno State coach Pat Hill said "[h]ow many times do I have to say it? We got dominated in all three phases. We got beat pretty good today. That doesn't happen at Fresno State very often. Today we got beat by a better football team. They took it to us. End of conversation."
Oregon @ Stanford
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 23/36, 367 Yards, 4 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 19 Carries, 160 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Cameron Colvin: 8 Receptions, 163 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Brady Leaf: 0/1, 0 Yards | Jeremiah Johnson: 14 Carries, 60 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Jaison Williams: 7 Receptions, 113 Yards, 2 Touchdown |
| Dennis Dixon: 9 Carries, 15 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Ed Dickson: 3 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
The Ducks beat the Cardinal 55 to 31.
California @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 31/44, 306 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 2 Interceptions | Jonathan Stewart: 21 Carries, 120 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Cameron Colvin: 7 Receptions, 74 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Jeremiah Johnson: 8 Carries, 40 Yards | Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 70 Yards | |
| Dennis Dixon: 8 Carries, 17 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Ed Dickson: 6 Receptions, 67 Yards |
The Bears defeated the Ducks 31 to 24. ESPN College GameDay was present (Corso picked Ducks to win)
Washington State @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 21/28, 287 Yards, 3 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 13 Carries, 66 Yards | Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 108 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Brady Leaf: 4/6, 41 Yards | Jeremiah Johnson: 4 Carries, 63 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Ed Dickson: 3 Receptions, 70 Yards |
| Justin Roper: 1/1, 10 Yards | Remene Alston Jr.: 13 Carries, 26 Yards | Aaron Pflugrad: 4 Receptions, 47 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
The Ducks defeated the Cougars 53 to 7.
Oregon @ Washington
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 19/30, 196 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 Interception | Jonathan Stewart: 32 Carries, 251 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Jaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 60 Yards |
| Andre Crenshaw: 15 Carries, 113 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Garren Strong: 5 Receptions, 53 Yards, 1 Touchdown | |
| Dennis Dixon: 12 Carries, 99 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Aaron Pflugrad: 5 Receptions, 51 Yards |
The Ducks defeated the Huskies 55 to 34.
USC @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 16/25, 157 Yards | Jonathan Stewart: 25 Carries, 103 Yards, 2 Touchdowns | Ed Dickson: 5 Receptions, 69 Yards |
| Dennis Dixon: 17 Carries, 76 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Aaron Pflugrad: 2 Receptions, 28 Yards | |
| Geoff Schwartz: 1 Carries, 3 Yards | Jonathan Stewart: 2 Receptions, 21 Yards |
Arizona State @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon: 13/22, 189 Yards, 4 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 21 Carries, 99 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Jaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 106 Yards, 2 Touchdowns |
| Brady Leaf: 2/4, 11 Yards | Dennis Dixon: 11 Carries, 57 Yards | Drew Davis: 2 Receptions, 28 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Andre Crenshaw: 5 Carries, 31 Yards | Jonathan Stewart: 2 Receptions, 26 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
In a game that was considered important enough for ESPN's College Gameday to be broadcast in Eugene, the Oregon Ducks defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 35-23. Heisman hopeful Dennis Dixon threw for 189 yards and 4 touchdowns and led the Ducks to a victory that places Oregon in the lead for the Pac-10 championship.
After the Ducks scored a touchdown on their first possession, a 26 yard pass to WR Jaison Williams, the Sun Devils began to march down the field. Showing the same poise as Dixon, ASU QB Rudy Carpenter led the Devils to the Oregon 2 yard line before the Oregon defense lived up to their "bend but don't break" style and held ASU to a field goal. That goal line stop would set the tone for the remainder of the game as Oregon held Arizona State to only 3 points in the first quarter and 13 in the first half.
Trailing 13-21 at the half, Arizona State was able to make a field goal on their first possession in the second half, cutting the Oregon lead to 5. However the Ducks were able to score the next 14 points of the game, giving the Ducks a 35-16 lead with one quarter left to play. Unfortunately approximately 2 minutes into the fourth quarter, Dennis Dixon was taken out after an awkward tackle and sat out the remainder of the game. Luckily his injury did not seem serious and he was seen jogging on the sidelines soon afterwards.
Arizona State did score one more touchdown later in the fourth quarter, making the score its final 35-23. In a game which Rudy Carpenter was sacked 9 times, it seemed only fitting that the last play of the game was a sack as time ran out.
Oregon @ Arizona
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Brady Leaf: 22/46, 163 Yards, 2 Interceptions | Jonathan Stewart: 28 Carries, 131 Yards | Jaison Williams: 8 Receptions, 120 Yards |
| Dennis Dixon: 5/8, 62 Yards, 1 Interception | Kwame Agyeman: 1 Carry, 40 Yards | Ed Dickson: 6 Receptions, 44 Yards |
| Dennis Dixon: 2 Carries, 34 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Derrick Jones: 6 Receptions, 24 Yards |
The Ducks entered the game ranked #2 in both the AP poll and the BCS standings. A win in this game, followed by wins against UCLA and Oregon State, would almost assuredly result in a berth in the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans. The Ducks started the game hot, with a 39 yard touchdown run by Dennis Dixon and a successful two point conversion. Following an Arizona interception, the Ducks had the ball back on the Arizona 4 yard line threatening to score again. However, Dixon threw an interception that was returned 45 yards and eventually capitalized by the Wildcats as a touchdown, cutting the score to 8-7. The Ducks responded with another solid drive getting the ball to the Arizona 15 and looked set to score again. On 2nd and 7, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon (the leading Heisman candidate at this point of the season) fell to the ground without being touched. Upon review it was clear that Dixon twisted his already-injured knee and tore his ACL. It would later be revealed that Dixon had actually torn the ligament in the previous week's game against Arizona State
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
.
Following the injury, Dixon—having amassed 183 yards on 19 plays—was replaced by Brady Leaf. Oregon's misfortunes mounted: Arizona scored a touchdown on an interception return, another on a punt return, and Leaf suffered an ankle injury, all before halftime. Oregon tried to rally from the 14-31 halftime deficit, but lost 24-34, ending their National Championship hopes. The following day it was announced that Dixon's injury would end his season, and any hopes of a Heisman Trophy.
Oregon @ UCLA
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Kempt: 6/23, 52 Yards, 2 Interceptions | Jonathan Stewart: 13 Carries, 33 Yards | Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 44 Yards |
| Brady Leaf: 4/11, 45 Yards | Andre Crenshaw: 11 Carries, 22 Yards | Ed Dickson: 5 Receptions, 31 Yards |
| Justin Roper: 1/5, 8 Yards, 1 Interception | Jeffrey Maehl: 2 Carries, 14 Yards | Jeffrey Maehl: 2 Receptions, 30 Yards |
Oregon State @ Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Roper: 13/25, 144 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 1 Interception | Jonathan Stewart: 39 Carries, 163 Yards | Jeffrey Maehl: 4 Receptions, 86 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Cody Kempt: 0/3 | Andre Crenshaw: 5 Carries, 15 Yards | Ed Dickson: 3 Receptions, 17 Yards |
| Ed Dickson: 1 Carry, 10 Yards | Jaison Williams: 2 Receptions, 16 Yards |
The 111th Civil War
Civil War (college football game)
The Civil War is the colloquial name for an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Oregon Ducks football team of the University of Oregon and the Oregon State Beavers football team of the Oregon State University...
, the Ducks now lead 55-46-10 in the series all time. This was the first time the home team had not won since 1996, the first time Oregon State
Oregon State Beavers football
The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive...
had won at Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
since 1993, and the first time Oregon State
Oregon State Beavers football
The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive...
had won two years in a row since 1973-74.
Sun Bowl: South Florida vs. Oregon
| Passing Leaders | Rushing Leaders | Receiving Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Roper: 17/30, 180 Yards, 4 Touchdowns | Jonathan Stewart: 23 Carries, 253 Yards, 1 Touchdown | Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
| Andre Crenshaw: 8 Carries, 52 Yards | Garren Strong: 3 Receptions, 36 Yards, 1 Touchdown | |
| Cody Kempt: 2 Carries, 23 Yards | Jonathan Stewart: 2 Receptions, 29 Yards, 1 Touchdown |
After losing the last 3 games of the year, many analysts expected the Ducks to fair poorly in the Sun Bowl. But the Ducks came out strong. Making his first career start, freshman quarterback Justin Roper completed 17 of 30 passes for 180 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Jonathan Stewart rushed for a career high and Sun Bowl record 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the Most Valuable Player of the game.
Oregon, despite being a 7 point underdog, dominated the game, especially the second half. Holding on to a 18-14 lead at the half, Oregon came out and outscored South Florida 28-0 in the third quarter. The Ducks won 56-21. The 56 points scored was a Sun Bowl record. Jonathan Stewart's 253 rushing yards were a Sun Bowl record. The 35-point margin of victory was the second largest of the 2007-2008 bowl season. The Ducks finished the season 9-4 with their first bowl win since the 2001 season. They finished the season ranked 23rd in the final Associated Press Poll.
Rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | NR | NR | 19 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 17 | NR | 23 |
| Coaches | NR | NR | 21 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 18 | NR | 24 |
| Harris | Not released | 10 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 19 | NR | N/A | |||
| BCS | Not released | 10 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 17 | NR | NR | ||||||
Team
| class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;"> | ||
| Team | Opp | |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | 496 | 307 |
| Points per Game | 38.2 | 23.6 |
| First Downs | 321 | 260 |
| Rushing | 174 | 97 |
| Passing | 133 | 134 |
| Penalty | 14 | 29 |
| Total Offense | 6,078 | 4,966 |
| Avg per Play | 5.9 | 5.1 |
Scores by quarter
Rushing
| Name | GP | Att | Gain | Loss | Net | Avg | TD | Long | Avg/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Stewart | 13 | 280 | 1,798 | 76 | 1,722 | 6.2 | 11 | 88 | 132.5 |
| Dennis Dixon | 10 | 105 | 741 | 158 | 583 | 5.6 | 9 | 80 | 58.3 |
| Andre Crenshaw | 13 | 82 | 445 | 30 | 415 | 5.1 | 4 | 39 | 31.9 |
| Jeremiah Johnson | 6 | 54 | 360 | 16 | 344 | 6.4 | 5 | 42 | 57.3 |
| Derrick Jones | 9 | 3 | 49 | 0 | 49 | 16.3 | 0 | 25 | 5.4 |
| Remene Alston | 7 | 25 | 66 | 24 | 42 | 1.7 | 1 | 10 | 6.0 |
| Kwame Agyeman | 13 | 1 | 40 | 0 | 40 | 40.0 | 0 | 40 | 3.1 |
| Jeffrey Maehl | 13 | 3 | 34 | 0 | 34 | 11.3 | 0 | 18 | 2.6 |
| Brian Paysinger | 4 | 3 | 25 | 0 | 25 | 8.3 | 1 | 14 | 6.2 |
| Cody Kempt | 3 | 8 | 31 | 10 | 21 | 2.6 | 0 | 17 | 7.0 |
| Ed Dickson | 13 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 10 | 0.8 |
| Daniel Barkley | 2 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 8 | 4.0 |
| Pat So'oalo | 13 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 |
| Geoff Schwartz | 13 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 3 | 0.2 |
| Andiel Brown | 11 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 | 2 | 0.2 |
| Brady Leaf | 11 | 18 | 64 | 62 | 2 | 0.1 | 0 | 14 | 0.2 |
| Aaron Pflugrad | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | 0.2 |
| Justin Roper | 4 | 15 | 51 | 50 | 1 | 0.1 | 1 | 13 | 0.2 |
| Team | 11 | 11 | 0 | 38 | -38 | -3.5 | 0 | 0 | -3.5 |
| Total | 13 | 615 | 3,736 | 464 | 3,272 | 5.3 | 32 | 88 | 251.7 |
Passing
| Name | GP | Effic | Cmp-Att-Int | Pct | Yds | TD | Lng | Avg/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dixon | 10 | 161.2 | 172-254-4 | 67.7 | 2,136 | 20 | 85 | 213.6 |
| Justin Roper | 4 | 125.5 | 32-61-2 | 52.5 | 342 | 6 | 33 | 85.5 |
| Brady Leaf | 11 | 73.9 | 34-72-2 | 47.2 | 276 | 0 | 30 | 25.1 |
| Cody Kempt | 3 | 24.5 | 6-26-2 | 23.1 | 52 | 0 | 15 | 17.3 |
| Total | 13 | 132.1 | 244-413-10 | 59.1 | 2,806 | 26 | 85 | 215.8 |
Receiving
| Name | GP | No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | Avg/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaison Williams | 13 | 55 | 844 | 15.3 | 8 | 52 | 64.9 |
| Ed Dickson | 13 | 43 | 453 | 10.5 | 3 | 46 | 34.8 |
| Garren Strong | 13 | 27 | 249 | 9.2 | 3 | 17 | 19.2 |
| Johnathan Stewart | 13 | 22 | 145 | 6.6 | 2 | 21 | 11.2 |
| Cameron Colvin | 6 | 20 | 248 | 12.4 | 2 | 71 | 41.3 |
| Derrick Jones | 9 | 19 | 199 | 10.5 | 2 | 61 | 22.1 |
| Aaron Pflugrad | 9 | 17 | 168 | 9.9 | 1 | 23 | 18.7 |
| Brian Paysinger | 4 | 9 | 165 | 18.3 | 2 | 85 | 41.2 |
| Jeffrey Maehl | 13 | 9 | 118 | 13.1 | 1 | 33 | 9.1 |
| Jeremiah Johnson | 6 | 7 | 98 | 14.0 | 1 | 35 | 16.3 |
| Andre Crenshaw | 13 | 4 | 17 | 4.2 | 0 | 7 | 1.3 |
| Drew Davis | 10 | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 1 | 19 | 3.5 |
| Malachi Lewis | 13 | 3 | 26 | 8.7 | 0 | 18 | 2.0 |
| Rory Cavaille | 11 | 2 | 17 | 8.5 | 0 | 9 | 1.5 |
| Terence Scott | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Ryan Keeling | 5 | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 10 | 2.0 |
| Matt Larkin | 12 | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 10 | 0.8 |
| Total | 13 | 244 | 2,806 | 11.5 | 26 | 85 | 215.8 |
Defense
| Name | GP | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Defense | Fumbles | Blkd Kick |
Saf | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Total | TFL-Yds | No-Yds | Int-Yds | BU | PD | QBH | Rcv-Yds | FF | ||||
| Patrick Chung | 13 | 53 | 42 | 95 | 5.5-14 | - | 2-0 | 5 | 7 | - | - | 1 | 2 | - |
| Walter Thurmond III | 13 | 60 | 23 | 83 | 7.0-13 | - | 2-44 | 16 | 18 | - | 1-25 | - | - | - |
| Matthew Harper | 13 | 38 | 40 | 78 | 2.0-19 | 2.0-19 | 3-116 | 6 | 9 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - |
| Jerome Boyd | 13 | 35 | 23 | 58 | 10.0-34 | 3.0-21 | 1-0 | 2 | 3 | - | 1-0 | 1 | - | - |
| Jairus Byrd | 13 | 34 | 18 | 52 | 4.0-13 | 1.0-6 | 4-22 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 2-0 | - | - | - |
| Nick Reed | 13 | 21 | 24 | 45 | 19.5-104 | 11.0-93 | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - |
| Kwame Agyeman | 13 | 26 | 18 | 44 | 6.0-14 | 1.0-7 | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - | - |
| John Bacon | 9 | 18 | 24 | 42 | 1.5-2 | - | 1-49 | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Will Tukuafu | 13 | 19 | 9 | 28 | 6.5-17 | 2.5-11 | - | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3-0 | 2 | - | - |
| A.J. Tuitele | 8 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 1.0-4 | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Jeremy Gibbs | 13 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 4.0-20 | 3.0-19 | - | 1 | 1 | 8 | - | - | - | - |
| Willie Glasper | 13 | 11 | 9 | 20 | 1.0-3 | - | - | - | - | - | 1-0 | - | - | - |
| Kevin Garrett | 12 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 1.0-4 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - |
| T.J. Ward | 13 | 14 | 3 | 17 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1-0 | - | - | - |
| David Faaeteete | 13 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 8.0-29 | 2.0-11 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | - |
| Cole Linehan | 13 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 2.0-6 | 1.0-4 | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - |
| Casey Matthews | 11 | 9 | 7 | 16 | 4.0-5 | 1.0-1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Tonio Celotto | 11 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 3.0-9 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
| Ra'Shon Harris | 11 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1.0-1 | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - |
| Jeffrey Maehl | 13 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 1.0-1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Marvin Johnson | 12 | 2 | 6 | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Talmadge Jackson III | 13 | 4 | 2 | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Kenny Rowe | 13 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 4.0-28 | 3.0-22 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Ryan DePalo | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Brandon Bair | 13 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1.0-5 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 1-0 | - | - | - |
| Spencer Paysinger | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Michael Speed | 10 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Jeremiah Johnson | 6 | 3 | 1 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Matt Larkin | 12 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Andre Crenshaw | 13 | 2 | 1 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Ed Dickson | 13 | 2 | 1 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Erik Elshire | 6 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Matt Evensen | 13 | 2 | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Eric Steimer | 12 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Riley Showalter | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Josh Tschirgi | 12 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mark Lewis | 12 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Remene Alston | 7 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Chad Peppars | 4 | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Jordan Holmes | 8 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Simi Toeania | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Anthony Gildon | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Chris Barber | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Jonathan Stewart | 13 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Michel DiVincenzo | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Team | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Total | 13 | 435 | 308 | 743 | 93-345 | 30-214 | 13-231 | 45 | 58 | 29 | 10-25 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
Special teams
| Name | Punting | Kickoffs | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Yds | Avg | Long | TB | FC | I20 | 50+ | Blkd | No. | Yds | Avg | TB | OB | |
| Josh Syria | 71 | 2,962 | 41.7 | 61 | 5 | 11 | 26 | 10 | 0 | |||||
| Matt Evensen | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 87 | 5,591 | 64.3 | 17 | 5 |
| Luke Bellotti | 3 | 120 | 40.0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Morgan Flint | 2 | 96 | 48.0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Jeffery Maehl | 1 | 65 | 65.0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Total | 72 | 2,979 | 41.4 | 61 | 5 | 11 | 27 | 10 | 0 | 93 | 5,872 | 63.1 | 17 | 5 |
| Name | Punt Returns | Kick Returns | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | |
| Andiel Brown | 17 | 177 | 10.4 | 0 | 64 | 3 | 63 | 21.0 | 0 | 26 |
| Aaron Pflugrad | 8 | 29 | 3.6 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 22 | 22.0 | 0 | 22 |
| Jairus Byrd | 7 | 63 | 9.0 | 0 | 26 | |||||
| Patrick Chung | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 201 | 22.3 | 0 | 40 |
| Garren Strong | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Derrick Jones | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 137 | 22.8 | 0 | 41 |
| Malachi Lewis | 0 | 8 | 0.0 | 0 | 8 | |||||
| Chris Barber | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Jonathan Stewart | 23 | 614 | 26.7 | 0 | 64 | |||||
| Andre Crenshaw | 6 | 122 | 20.3 | 0 | 35 | |||||
| Walter Thurmond III | 3 | 66 | 22.0 | 0 | 28 | |||||
| Remene Alston | 2 | 45 | 22.5 | 0 | 28 | |||||
| Aaron Pflugrad | 1 | 22 | 22.0 | 0 | 22 | |||||
| Total | 36 | 287 | 8.0 | 0 | 64 | 50 | 1,181 | 23.6 | 0 | 64 |