Kellen Taylor’s fumble late in Oregon’s scrimmage Saturday typified the Ducks’ sloppy play during their first day inside Autzen Stadium during spring practices.
On a reverse, the wide receiver never got a handle on the ball, and kicked it to the sideline, costing the Oregon offense a 10-yard loss.
Overall, it was an inconsistent scrimmage for both the offense and the defense.
“I thought we were a little sluggish,” head coach Mike Bellotti said. “I was a little disappointed in the intensity and the enthusiasm.”
Kellen Clemens, battling Jason Fife for the starting quarterback spot, connected on eight passes in 13 attempts for 102 yards. He led the Duck offense to its first scoring drive of the game in the third series of the afternoon, connecting on a 44-yard pass with Taylor for the score.
That came after he connected with Taylor on a 9-yard catch along the sideline.
“I threw the ball OK,” Clemens said. “It wasn’t outstanding by any means, but I’m not going to lose much sleep over it. I’m satisfied, but we need to get better.”
Clemens received a rough shot from linebacker Ramone Reed toward the end of the scrimmage after the signal-caller was late getting rid of the ball. He got up slowly, but was OK.
Fife, on the other hand, was 5-of-11 for 57 yards. He directed a 14-play drive late that ended up with Jared Siegel’s 32-yard field goal. On the drive, Fife was 4-of-7 passing, connecting for 43 yards. He may have led the offense to a touchdown on the series, but on second and goal from the 5-yard line, Taylor fumbled the reverse, pinning the Ducks into a third-and-15 situation.
Defensively, Oregon was able to get to the quarterback five times, led by Quinn Dorsey’s two sacks. Darius Sanders, Junior Siavii and Victor Filipe were each also able to wrap up the quarterback.
For Dorsey, the scrimmage was an affirmation that he is getting back to an optimum playing level after sitting out last season.
“I felt all right,” he said. “I myself was a little tired. I don’t know. It was just a weird day, because the whole defense was down. I knew I was tired, but I did my best to get up and do what I could.”
Safety J.D. Nelson led the defense with seven tackles, while Keith Lewis, praised by Bellotti after the scrimmage, had four.
But just like their offensive counterparts, the defense also could have done much more.
“We had some bright spots,” Dorsey said. “We did some good things, but we made some big mistakes.”
Bellotti also praised the play of running back Chris Vincent. The freshman ran eight times for 41 yards, and scored a touchdown on a one-yarder to end the practice. He sits fourth on the positional depth chart after redshirting last season but is looking to move up that list.
“I feel comfortable learning the offense,” he said. “I’m catching on well.”
Keith Allen started off the second series of the scrimmage in impressive fashion, gaining 31 yards on a reverse. Fife then connected with Tim Day for 14 yards, setting up a first and 10 at the defensive 25-yard line.
Under pressure, Fife then threw an incomplete pass, and on the next play, Terrence Whitehead was stopped for a 1-yard run by linebacker Jerry Matson. Dorsey then grabbed Fife for a sack, a 4-yard loss. That set up a 45-yard field goal attempt for Siegel, a kick he promptly missed wide left.
Oregon practices again Tuesday and Thursday this week before another scrimmage Friday.