Jonathan Stewart didn’t let some sore ribs affect him as he gained 183 all-purpose yards on 28 touches in Oregon’s 34-14 win over Washington.
Last week Portland State’s Charles Manigo carried Stewart out-of-bounds into a bench and Stewart received only two carries during the game before sitting out.
On Monday, Stewart limped into practice still suffering from the collision, but said Saturday that he hasn’t felt this healthy since the season-opener against Stanford.
“It hurt during the game,” Stewart said. “It’s the kind of injury that hurts but you get your breath back and you’re good.”
As a result, Stewart had his workload increased during the game with a career-high 25 carries.
Stewart said Washington’s adjustments at the line made it easy for him to plan where he was going to run.
“Their linebackers shift a lot,” Stewart said. “They commit to one thing and there’s always some kind of cutback.”
Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said the tape job on Stewart’s ankles was lighter than previous ones, helping Stewart become more nimble.
Stewart’s contribution also boosts his confidence level after poor performances in Oregon’s losses at California and Washington State.
“I think he’s going to feel the best he has on a Monday,” Bellotti said.
The game was also Stewart’s fifth 100-yard rushing performance of the season and his highest total since the season opener against Stanford when he gained 168 yards.
The highs and lows of a punt-returner
Rover Patrick Chung’s first career start as a punt-returner saw both the ups and downs of the position. Chung won the job during practice this week after running back Andiel Brown had surgery to repair a broken hand.
“I was pretty nervous,” Chung said. “But as the game went on I got more comfortable.”
Chung’s anxiety was evident on his first attempt when he extended himself over a Washington player while trying to catch the ball and fumbled it. Oregon’s Jairus Byrd recovered the ball, but the Washington player ran into Chung before he had a chance to make the catch and was called for interference.
Chung’s second attempt and first official return showcased his play-making ability. He fielded the line-drive kick and ran straight through the middle of the field, made a cut to the left and ran 59 yards for his first touchdown since high school and the first Oregon score of the game.
But in the second quarter, Chung’s troubles fielding the ball continued when he fumbled a 54-yard punt by Sean Douglas and the Huskies recovered it. Fortunately for Chung, Washington was called for an illegal shift before the snap and he had a chance to redeem himself.
“I lucked out on that one,” Chung said. “Oh man, I dropped it but then I saw the yellow flag and relief was all over me.”
Chung’s performance drew praise from Bellotti, despite trouble handling two of the kicks. He finished with five returns for 86 yards.
“He’s an interesting guy in terms of receiving the punt,” Bellotti said. “He a very physical runner and fast with the ball in his hands.”
Chung also recorded an interception in the third quarter.
Crenshaw sees time
Freshman running back Andre Crenshaw had his redshirt removed Saturday and saw limited action in the fourth quarter, carrying the ball three times for 16 yards. He was elevated to third string after injuries to running back Andiel Brown (broken hand) and Chris Vincent (knee).
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Stewart, Chung shine in homecoming win
Daily Emerald
November 5, 2006
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