When Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart first started playing his freshman year at Oregon, it was his first introduction to the spread offense. He hadn’t heard of it, let alone played it in high school.
“I didn’t know until I got here that we were going spread,” Stewart said. “I didn’t even know what the spread was.”
After all, when he was being recruited Andy Ludwig was the offensive coordinator for the Ducks, before Gary Crowton took over. Stewart played in a more traditional offense in high school but was willing to use his abilities in an unfamiliar role.
“My reaction was, ‘I’m here. I’m going to work with it,’” Stewart said.
Now, with first-year coach Chip Kelly at the helm of the offense, Stewart is producing more of the big plays that are expected of a player of his ability. He certainly showcased some it against Fresno State running 17 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns, including an 88-yard score, the longest run ever at Autzen Stadium.
“I’m an explosive player and when it comes to this offense, things are going to be explosion plays. I think it fits me well.”
It seems to be fitting everybody on the Oregon offense well. For the third consecutive game, the Ducks rolled up more than 300 rushing yards, as six different rushers compiled 307 yards. The offensive line is enjoying as much as the runners as well.
“You can never rush for too many yards,” center Max Unger said. “If we can rush the ball effectively against anyone in the Pac-10, we can go places fast.”
Not only has Stewart been able to find the open lanes in the offense, but its helped his ability as a blocker as well, whether it’s pass protection for the quarterback, or running downfield to open up holes for either Dennis Dixon or Jeremiah Johnson.
“I’ve improved a lot. I remember freshman year, even last year, it was “Ugh” watching film. It was nasty,” Stewart said with a laugh.
Stewart’s not the only one improving his block skills on the offense though. The receivers as well have been working on their technique and they’ve made a significant impact in the rushing game.
“Coach Pflu(grad), he gets on them during practice about blocking and stuff. They’re doing an incredible job,” Stewart said. “On the outside plays that we ran little sweeps, those are all receivers blocking.”
“I think all the receivers are blocking their tails off on the perimeter and really helping the running game,” Kelly said. “If you don’t block, you don’t play.”
That rule made wide receiver Jaison Williams change his priorities. He said his job is to block first, catch second.
All of those factors together, along with the occasional no huddle are having a fatigue effect on the opposing defenses.
“It seemed like they were more conditioned,” Stewart said of Fresno State. “It wasn’t as bad as last week. I know that for sure.”
And against Fresno State, everything seemed to working the way it should for the Ducks’ running game and allowed Stewart to have one of best games.
“I think Jonathan Stewart is the perfect running back for the University of Oregon,” Kelly said.
Other notes
– Oregon coach Mike Bellotti became the sixth Pac-10 coach to reach 100 wins at one school. His career Oregon record now stands at 100-48 (.676).
– Both Walter Thurmond III and Andre Crenshaw scored their first career touchdowns, on a fumble recovery and a two-yard run, respectively.
– Seven points had been the largest margin of victory in the series, for both teams. Now Oregon’s best winning margin stands at 31 and leads the series 6-2.