Of course there’s reason to despair from Saturday’s loss. Two interceptions, a game-ending fumble and missed opportunities throughout the contest would give any fan reason to mope about Oregon’s prospects for the rest of the season.
It was all too similar to last year’s game when Oregon was the 11th-ranked team in the nation and four turnovers were the main reason the Ducks lost. Like last year, Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson scored twice and running back Justin Forsett ran for more than 100 yards.
And quarterback Dennis Dixon’s interceptions helped seal the Ducks’ fate.
That game, of course, was the turning point in Oregon’s season when the Ducks went 3-6 to finish the season. Dixon was never the same quarterback and his erratic play caused Oregon coach Mike Bellotti to bench him.
There were plenty of parallels between Saturday’s and last year’s loss. Only this time, Dixon didn’t go into meltdown-mode after the first pick allowed Cal to score the winning touchdown. He still led the Ducks down the field before those final two turnovers, which weren’t his fault, sealed the game.
Running back Jonathan Stewart, who ran for a game-high 120 yards, didn’t have a repeat performance of last year’s contest when he ended the game with 25 yards on 18 carries. His yards were one reason why the game didn’t turn into a rout like last year.
At the very least, those two players are reasons why fans shouldn’t have to worry about this team’s confidence or mindset. They are a different team than last year. Dixon is proof of that. Stewart was impressed with the quarterback’s confidence and performance throughout the game, especially the final drives, despite adversity setting in.
“He was poised the whole game,” Stewart said. “Once he threw the pick, he knew he couldn’t get into a slump.”
That poise will help Oregon from taking a nose-dive like last year. Dixon’s decision making in the final minutes should prove that he’s not about to get in a slump himself. Stewart is a different player as well, showing patience and power that has made him into an elite back.
The defense, despite playing with a short field throughout the game, held Cal scoreless on several occasions. Only when the explosiveness of Jackson, burning both cornerbacks Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Byrd on long touchdown catches, were the Bears able to break the defense. It was the first time Thurmond and Byrd have allowed a passing touchdown this season and speaks more about the Pacific-10 Conference’s most dynamic player (since Reggie Bush) than it does about Oregon’s pass defense.
This loss proved that the only way the Ducks can lose is if they turn the ball over. That’s what Bellotti harps about constantly. That’s what the players routinely spout about, that the only team that’s capable of beating them is themselves.
The Cal game proved that. It also proved that the Pac-10 is the top conference this year. Even with two explosive offenses, the scoring came in modest increments thanks to better-than-expected defensive play. Now all Oregon has to do is prove there’s no hangover from a heart-breaking loss.
With Dixon, Stewart and the seasoned offensive line still leading the way, don’t expect the Ducks to fall apart again.
Unless they continue to leave the ball unprotected. I’m guessing after Monday’s practice, that won’t continue to be an issue.