Even though it’s been almost two weeks since Oregon’s 17-14 loss to Oklahoma in San Diego, the mere mention of the Holiday Bowl, Clint Ingram, Adrian Peterson, Rhett Bomar or any combination of the above mostly elicits a cringe and bitter feeling from Duck fans.
So, as not to prolong the misery any further, I offer my final thoughts on the 2005-06 season, a season that, despite its ending, will signify one of the most remarkable turnarounds in school history. And nationally, the shootout between Texas and USC in the national championship game was the perfect way to culminate a dramatic bowl season.
My first thought regarding the past season is in regards to my latest column (ODE, Dec. 5, “35 states can’t be wrong”). In it, I argued that Notre Dame’s tradition is the major reason the Irish remain considered by many to be one of college football’s elite programs.
Apparently I messed with the wrong contingent of fans; leprechauns everywhere turned from green into boiling red.
“You (expletive) idiot. Eat (expletive) and die in Oregon you worthless (expletive),” Kevin M. wrote.
“You bitter unshaven immature little JERKOFF. Your pansy Ducks played non-conference Houston and 1-AA Montana,” Steve B. from Ohio wrote.
For the record, I’m quite cleanly shaven, and the Irish lost their eighth straight bowl game. Good luck next season Notre Dame.
My next thought deals with Oregon’s two-quarterback system, which used sophomores Brady Leaf and Dennis Dixon after three-year starter Kellen Clemens’ collegiate career ended prematurely with a broken leg.
Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, who has been a proponent of dual quarterbacks in past seasons, guided the Ducks to a 4-1 record in Clemens’ absence. Most accepted, or at least tolerated, both quarterbacks after Leaf tossed the winning touchdown in overtime against California and Dixon led Oregon’s winning drive a week later at Washington State. But the second-guessers had a field day with Bellotti’s decision to alternate Dixon and Leaf after Dixon led the Ducks to their first touchdown against Oklahoma. Oregon then did not score until late in the fourth quarter against a very stingy Sooner defense.
I happen to agree with these second-guessers. The offense’s rhythm seemed to disappear in the second and third quarters, and few programs have consistently won with a dual quarterback system. Dixon’s body language following the loss against Oklahoma indicated that trouble may be brewing if there is not a competition to decide the starter for a one-quarterback system. Of course, winning will certainly suppress any possible discontent as it did this season. However, the Ducks need to decide on either Dixon or Leaf in 2006.
Contact Luke Andrews at [email protected]