Throughout spring practice, the Oregon offense went through the growing pains of adapting to a new offensive coordinator. Although the unit showed flashes of brilliance on occasion, it sputtered often.
That was the case in Saturday’s annual Spring Game, at least for offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s White team. Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti’s Green team won 20-6 thanks to a consistent running attack powered by freshman running back Remene Alston, who led all rushers with 66 yards, and junior Jonathan Stewart, who posted an 8.2-yard rushing average on five carries. The Green team also benefited by constantly pressuring senior quarterback Dennis Dixon, who was sacked three times during the game.
“Our offense was transplanted to a foreign country and they’re still finding their way back,” Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said.
Dixon completed nine of his 18 passes for 116 yards and ran eight times for nine yards. Although he ran for several first downs, the fact that the defense only had to touch Dixon to record a sack hampered his ability to run.
“I think I had two plays like that today,” Dixon said about being touched for a sack. “You can only do so much.”
Junior wide receiver Jaison Williams, who was held without a catch, said Dixon didn’t have enough time to look his way.
“He was basically on the move by the time the ball was snapped,” he said.
Fellow senior quarterback Brady Leaf went 7-for-11 on his passes for 70 yards and a touchdown for the Green team. Bellotti said Leaf looked poised in the pocket and cool under pressure. He also benefited from the Green team’s rushing attack, which gained 126 yards on the ground.
“The Green team ran the ball better today thus they won,” Bellotti said. “That’s pretty typical in most football games. If you run the ball better, and you don’t turn the ball over, you’ve got a chance to win.”
Tight end Ryan Keeling caught Leaf’s 17-yard touchdown pass after the White team blitzed seven defenders and left Keeling wide open in the middle of the field.
“It was the perfect defense (to run the play) -they brought seven guys and there was nobody there,” Leaf said.
Both Leaf and Keeling said it was a play that they hadn’t practiced all spring but something the Green team came up with to fake out the opposition. And despite catching five balls for 65 yards, Keeling said he wasn’t in any position to take the starting tight end job – yet
“This is a good thing to build on to the offseason but Ed (Dickson) is a great player. I just want to be able to challenge him,” Keeling said
Bellotti said Keeling made the starting tight end competition a bit closer.
“Ryan Keeling may be a pleasant surprise,” Bellotti said. “He’s been in Ed Dickson’s shadow this spring, but he stepped out today and made some plays.”
Dickson caught two passes for nine yards and said the defensive pressure on Dixon caused the passing game to be a bit erratic.
“I think if (Dixon) stays in the pocket a little bit longer he’d find a receiver,” Dickson said.
Because of that, and Keeling’s performance, Dickson said he lost some ground.
“I was really impressed with Ryan because all spring he hasn’t been pushing me for the spot but he showed up today,” Dickson said.
Dixon was able to find at least one receiver consistently. His roommate, senior wide receiver Garren Strong, led all players with 71 yards on five catches. After being injured for much of his career at Oregon, Strong said, knocking on wood, that he believes that all of Oregon’s wide receivers are up to the task of contributing more to the offense in the fall.
“I think we should all have good years from Paysinger to Jaison Williams to Cameron Colvin to myself,” Strong said. “I think the receivers are playing with a chip on their shoulders.”
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