Whether it is punishment or preparation up for interpretation, there is no question that conditioning is a major focus during football practice this week.
Even head coach Mike Bellotti was seen jogging and back-peddling to inspire the troops.
“At this point in the season there still is a need to continue conditioning,” Bellotti said. “We are still getting into game shape for some of the younger players, and they have to get through some of the bumps and bruises that will slow down some of our veteran players.”
Oregon is coming off a 45-13 defeat to top-ranked USC, a game in which the Duck defense allowed five touchdowns in the second half.
“Our conditioning was a factor in the second half in that we did not seem to be in shape, our defense especially, staying on the field that long,” Bellotti said.
The Ducks gave up nearly 600 yards in total offense, and USC was 10 of 14 on third-down conversions.
“As players we didn’t really think it was conditioning, but coach felt it was the case, so we did some extra running today,” Oregon cornerback Justin Phinisee said after Monday’s practice. “That’s what football is all about, running around, making sure you are in shape.”
It is especially important for everyone to be on the same page Saturday as the Ducks travel to Palo Alto, Calif., to face the Stanford Cardinal, a team known for playing to its competition level.
“Stanford right now is probably as dangerous as they have ever been,” Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens said. “They play up or down according to the team they are playing. They play to the level of their competitors, and we will get their best game.”
The Cardinal may be especially dangerous after a bye week followed a 20-17 loss to Division I-AA UC Davis, considered the most humiliating defeat in Stanford history by many in the sports world.
“They’ve had two weeks to prepare and have to feel the agony of that loss to UC Davis,” Bellotti said. “We’re prepared for their best football game, and we need to be prepared to match it because we are on the road. You can’t rally or spar with the home team – you have to knock them out.”
Over the last five meetings, Oregon has won four, including a 16-13 victory last season. Despite last year’s close finish, the average margin of victory for the Ducks has been 25 points.
“We’ve been taking every game one at a time,” Oregon tight end Dante Rosario said. “Obviously we weren’t overlooking USC to get to Stanford just like we are not going to overlook Stanford to whoever we play the week after that.”
The Ducks should get a boost as reserve running back and kick returner Jonathan Stewart is cleared to play. Stewart, who has dazzled many spectators with jaw-dropping runs and breakaway speed, has missed the past two games because of an injured ankle. Nate LiaBratten, a defensive lineman who suffered a concussion last week, is the only Oregon player questionable for the game.
“We are 0-1 right now in conference, and that is really the only record that is going to matter much,” Clemens said. “This is our chance to get back on track, and we are going to use it.”
Ducks set their sights on Stanford
Daily Emerald
September 27, 2005
Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens and the Duck offense were tackled by USC Saturday. The Ducks have focused on conditioning in practice this week in preparation for playing Stanford.
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