And so it begins.
Saturday, for the first time in two-and-a-half years, No. 11 will not be guiding Oregon’s offense.
Instead, fans will get their first full look at highly-touted Dennis Dixon, Oregon’s would-be quarterback-of-the-future turned quarterback-of-the-present after three-year starter Kellen Clemens (no. 11) suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
Before the abrupt ending, Clemens was putting the finishing touches on a brilliant career. He had Oregon ranked in the top 15 and looked poised to lead the Ducks to a repeat of their 11-1 dream season of 2001-02.
Saturday, we’ll discover whether Dixon is the oil that can keep this Oregon machine pumping and whether he can maintain the hope of a 10-1 season that appeared a very realistic possibility prior to Clemens’ unfortunate injury.
In other words, 55,000 fans will focus squarely on a 6-foot-4, 192-pound sophomore making his first career start.
No pressure, right?
You might be surprised.
Dixon exudes a quiet but confident swagger, despite the limited amount of experience thus far in his young collegiate career.
Part of the poise may stem from his admirable play in the few opportunities he has had this season.
Dixon scored the go-ahead touchdown in Oregon’s comeback win at Houston to open the season and then threw his first career touchdown pass the following game against Montana in Oregon’s home opener.
He started the fourth quarter against top-ranked USC in a nationally televised game and marched the Ducks down the field before a penalty negated a touchdown.
Dixon was 6 of 7 passing against the Trojans and ended as Oregon’s leading rusher with 21 yards on five carries.
A week later, against Stanford, Dixon again played at the start of the fourth quarter and again was very efficient. He finished 7 of 8 through the air for 63 yards.
Another factor resulting in Dixon’s self-assurance may be that, aside from Clemens, he is the perfect fit for Oregon’s newly formed spread offense. Dixon is Oregon’s fastest quarterback and, given space, he has the ability to make eye-popping plays that leave defenses scratching their heads. Just ask the Oregon defense, which Dixon consistently dazzles in practice.
But don’t let his athletic ability and speed deceive you – he doesn’t want to be known as a one-dimensional, run-first quarterback.
After all, he has completed 15 of 20 passes this season and has weapons around him that are capable of alleviating some of his pressure, namely senior wideout Demetrius Williams (46 rec., 895 yards).
Now, for Dixon, it becomes a matter of gaining experience and grasping the offense in Oregon’s final three games, two of which will be played within the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium.
Can the Ducks finish 10-1?
Yes.
Will they finish 10-1?
I guess we’ll know better after Saturday.

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