2008 Oregon Ducks football team

2008 Oregon Ducks football
Holiday Bowl champion
Conference Pacific-10 Conference
Ranking
Coaches No. 9
AP No. 10
2008 record 10–3 (7–2 Pac-10)
Head coach Mike Bellotti (14th season)
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (2nd season)
Offensive scheme Spread
Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti (12th season)
Base defense 4–3
Captain Patrick Chung
Captain Jeremiah Johnson
Captain Nick Reed
Captain Max Unger
Home stadium Autzen Stadium
(Capacity: 54,000, FieldTurf)
Uniform
2008 Pacific-10 football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
No. 3 USC $   8 1         12 1  
No. 10 Oregon   7 2         10 3  
No. 19 Oregon State   7 2         9 4  
California   6 3         9 4  
Arizona   5 4         8 5  
Arizona State   4 5         5 7  
Stanford   4 5         5 7  
UCLA   3 6         4 8  
Washington State   1 8         2 11  
Washington   0 9         0 12  
  • $ Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the final season for Mike Bellotti as the Ducks' head coach; he was promoted to become the school's athletic director after the season. The Ducks played their home games at Autzen Stadium. They finished the season 10–3, 7–2 in Pac-10 play, and were invited to the Holiday Bowl where they defeated Oklahoma State 42–31.

Previous season

The 2007 Oregon Ducks played a surprisingly successful 2007, reaching a #2 ranking in the AP poll, Coaches poll and the BCS poll and finishing the season with a #23 ranking in the AP poll and a #24 ranking in the Coaches poll. Highlights of the season include a 39-7 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI (completing a home and away sweep which included a win against Michigan in Eugene, OR in 2003), a dramatic win against USC, and a 56-21 win against South Florida in the Brut Sun Bowl. Unfortunately for the Ducks, quarterback Dennis Dixon suffered a knee injury during the game against the Arizona Wildcats. At the time, Oregon had attained the #2 ranking in the nation and appeared to be headed for the national championship game in January. After Dixon's injury the Ducks lost their final 3 games of the regular season, ending what was otherwise a positive season for Oregon, poorly.

Pre-season

February 2 - Gary Zimmerman, offensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks during the 1980-83 seasons, was voted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This induction marks the sixth former Oregon player to be selected into the Hall of Fame.[1]

April 4 - Nick Reed named to the Lott Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded to the best collegiate defensive player each year.[2]

April 18 - Fenuki Tupou and Max Unger named to the Outland Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman each year.[3]

April 27 - In the University of Oregon spring game the white team defeated the green team 36-3. The game featured breakout plays by Justin Roper, Ed Dickson and LeGarrette Blount.[4]

April 30 - In the NFL draft, three players are selected, Jonathan Stewart selected 13th overall to the Carolina Panthers, Dennis Dixon selected in the 5th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Geoff Schwartz also going to the Panthers in the 7th round. Two other players were signed as free agents, Cameron Colvin with the San Francisco 49ers and David Faaeteete with the Chicago Bears.[5]

May 12 - Patrick Chung and Nick Reed named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy pre-season watch list. The award is given to the best defensive player in college football each year.[6]

May 13 - Max Unger named to the Dave Rimington Trophy pre-season watch list. The award is given to the outstanding NCAA division 1-A offensive center.[7]

June 30 - Jaison Williams was named to the Maxwell Football Club Award watch list. The Maxwell Award is presented to the most outstanding player of the year. Also, Jairus Byrd, Patrick Chung and Walter Thurmond III were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. The award is given to the best defensive player of the year.[8]

July 7 - Jairus Byrd, Patrick Chung, and Walter Thurmond III named to the Jim Thorpe Award pre-season watch list. The award is given to the best defensive back in college football each year. Oregon is the only school to have more than two nominees.[9]

July 13 - While swimming in the McKenzie River with some of his teammates, redshirt freshman defensive back Todd Doxey drowned. The accident occurred around 3:15 in the afternoon near the Marcola Road Bridge and he was pronounced dead at Sacred Heart Medical Center at 8:06 PM.[10]

July 26 - Junior linebacker Kevin Garrett was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. Garrett finished the 2007 season with 21 tackles with 5.5 for a loss.[11]

July 31 - Junior Ed Dickson has been named to the John Mackey Award watchlist, Dickson is one of 30 players named. The award is given to the Tight End who better exemplifies play, academics and sportsmanship.[12]

August 18 - Senior Nick Reed has been named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation Player of the Year award list. The Walter Camp Football Foundation has named 35 player for consideration.[13]

August 25 - It was announced by GoDucks.com that sophomore quarterback Nate Costa had re-injured his left knee during a practice on the preceding Wednesday. Current estimates place his recovery at eight to ten weeks, however the status of his ACL and MCL will be determined at the time of his surgery. This news means that redshirt sophomore Justin Roper will more than likely be the starter, and is expected to be challenged by sophomore transfer Jeremiah Masoli.[14]

Recruiting class

As of July 11, 2008, the University of Oregon had signed four junior college transfers and 16 high school seniors.[15]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Justin Thompson
DT
Torrance, CA El Camino CC 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 5.2 Dec 12, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: --
Chris Harper
ATH
Wichita, KS Northwest HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 226 lb (103 kg) 4.5 Jan 18, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Darron Thomas
QB
Houston, TX Aldine HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 4.5 Dec 13, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Dion Jordan
TE
Chandler, AZ Chandler HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.6 Jan 9, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
LeGarrette Blount
RB
Scooba, MS East Mississippi CC 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 233 lb (106 kg) 4.5 Dec 19, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: --
Dewitt Stuckey
OLB
Stockton, CA Lincoln HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 4.6 Nov 29, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
John Boyett
S
Napa, CA Napa HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 189 lb (86 kg) NA Jun 8, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 72
LaMichael James
RB
Texarkana, TX Liberty Eylau HS 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.4 Feb 6, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Hamani Stevens
C
Hemet, CA Hemet Senior HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 290 lb (130 kg) 5.3 Feb 6, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Nick Cody
OT
Brush Prairie, WA Hockinson HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 290 lb (130 kg) 5.0 Jul 3, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Kenjon Barner
RB
Riverside, CA Notre Dame HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) NA Oct 31, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Blake Cantu
WR
Southlake, TX Carroll HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 191 lb (87 kg) 4.5 Jun 27, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Scott Grady
CB
Tigard, OR Tigard HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 176 lb (80 kg) 4.5 Jun 20, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Mychal Rivera
TE
Van Nuys, CA Birmingham Senior HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 229 lb (104 kg) 4.8 Jun 3, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Garrett Embry
WR
Roswell, GA Roswell HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 209 lb (95 kg) 4.7 Sep 3, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 72
Kiko Alonso
MLB
Los Gatos, CA Los Gatos HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 231 lb (105 kg) 4.8 Oct 9, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 70
Blake Ferras
DT
San Francisco, CA CC of San Francisco 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 4.8 Dec 17, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: NA
Josh Kaddu
OLB
Vacaville, CA Vacaville HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 4.8 Jan 4, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Zach Taylor
TE
Brenham, TX Blinn College 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 223 lb (101 kg) 4.7 Jan 27, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: --
Ellis Krout
WR
Gilroy, CA Gavilan CC 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.5 Feb 6, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: NA
Jeremiah Masoli
QB
San Francisco, CA CC of San Francisco 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 4.5 May 1, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: --
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 23   Rivals: 19
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Schedule

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
August 30 7:00 PM Washington No. 21 Autzen StadiumEugene, OR FSN W 44–10   58,778
September 6 12:30 PM Utah State* No. 18 Autzen Stadium • Eugene, OR OSN W 66–24   58,060
September 13 12:30 PM at Purdue* No. 16 Ross–Ade StadiumWest Lafayette, IN ABC/ESPN2 W 32–26 2OT  54,666
September 20 12:30 PM Boise State* No. 17 Autzen Stadium • Eugene, OR OSN/KTVB L 32–37   58,713
September 27 3:15 PM at Washington State Martin StadiumPullman, WA FSN W 63–14   30,927
October 4 5:00 PM at No. 9 USC No. 23 Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles, CA ABC L 10–44   82,765
October 11 7:15 PM UCLAdagger Autzen Stadium • Eugene, OR FSN W 31–24   58,728
October 25 7:05 PM at Arizona State Sun Devil StadiumTempe, AZ OSN W 54–20   69,406
November 1 12:30 PM at California No. 23 California Memorial StadiumBerkeley, CA ABC L 16–26   61,432
November 8 12:30 PM Stanford Autzen Stadium • Eugene, OR FSN W 35–28   58,013
November 15 3:30 PM Arizona Autzen Stadium • Eugene, OR KLSR W 55–45   58,369
November 29 4:00 PM at No. 17 Oregon State No. 23 Reser StadiumCorvallis, OR (Civil War) Versus W 65–38   46,319
December 30 5:00 PM vs. No. 13 Oklahoma State* No. 15 Qualcomm StadiumSan Diego, CA (Holiday Bowl) ESPN W 42–31   59,106
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll. All times are in Pacific Time.

University of Oregon official schedule

Game summaries

Washington

1 2 3 4 Total
Huskies 0 10 0 0 10
Ducks 14 0 7 23 44

Oregon won at Washington last year for the first time since 1997 and has won four in a row over the Huskies for the first time since 1931.

Passing Leaders Rushing Leaders Receiving Leaders
Jeremiah Masoli: 9/17, 126 Yards, 2 Touchdowns Jeremiah Johnson: 15 Carries, 124 Yards, 2 Touchdowns Terence Scott: 6 Receptions, 117 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Justin Roper: 7/11, 114 Yards, 1 Touchdown Chris Harper: 12 Carries, 60 Yards, 1 Touchdown Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 61 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Jeremiah Masoli: 4 Carries, 23 Yards Jeffrey Maehl: 5 Receptions, 49 Yards, 1 Touchdown

Last season it was the Duck offense that led Oregon to a 55-34 win over the Huskies. This year a combination of that same lightning quick offense and nearly shut-down defense is what earned the 44-10 win against Washington. Huskies quarterback Jake Locker, who had 335 yards of total offense last year, was only able to add 160 total yards for his offense, 103 passing and 57 running.[16]

Although the big story for the Ducks coming into the game was how quarterback Justin Roper would fare after Nate Costa reinjured his left knee in the week of practices leading up to the game. It was discovered just three days before the game that he would miss his second consecutive season after sitting out all of last season.[17] Roper, whose only experience starting a NCAA game was the Sun Bowl last season, did just as well as any could have hoped, leading the Ducks to a 7-0 lead within a minute and a half of the Duck's first possession.

However, during the second quarter, team doctors observed that Roper was showing symptoms of a concussion and was removed from the game. Coach Mike Bellotti then turned the game over to junior college transfer Jeremiah Masoli, who finished the game with 126 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. Coach Belotti has reported that he expects Roper to be 100% for the game against Utah State on September 6.[18]

Notable performances include Masoli's 126 yards of passing and 2 touchdowns on 9 completions, running back Jeremiah Johnson ran for a total of 124 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries and wide receiver Terrence Scott had 117 yards receiving and a touchdown on 6 receptions. This win also marks the first time in the Oregon-Washington series, dating back to 1900, that Oregon has won 5 consecutive games against the Huskies.[19]

Utah State

Oregon is 3-0 against Utah State with the most recent meeting occurring in 2001.

1 2 3 4 Total
Aggies 0 14 0 10 24
Ducks 14 24 21 7 66
Passing Leaders Rushing Leaders Receiving Leaders
Justin Roper: 13/18, 173 Yards, 1 Touchdown LeGarrette Blount: 18 Carries, 132 Yards, 2 Touchdowns Jeffrey Maehl: 4 Receptions, 72 Yards
Jeremiah Masoli: 7/11, 67 Yards Andre Crenshaw: 10 Carries, 72 Yards, 1 Touchdown Ed Dickson: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards
Chris Harper: 4/6, 40 Yards, 1 Touchdown Remene Alston: 10 Carries, 71 Yards, 1 Touchdown Terrence Scott: 4 Receptions, 44 Yards, 1 Touchdown

There was some speculation heading into the game about the health of Justin Roper. Roper had suffered a concussion during the Washington game and stopped play half way through the second quarter. By halftime there was very little concern of his health as Oregon took a 38-14 lead into the locker room. However during Oregon's first possession, running back Jeremiah Johnson separated his shoulder and Roper threw his second interception of the season. Despite this Roper was able to lead the Ducks to five consecutive scoring drives.

Top performances are: Justin Roper completing 13 of 18 passes for 173 yards and 1 touchdown, LeGarrette Blount rushing 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries and Jeffrey Maehl completing 4 receptions for 72 yards. During the game, the Ducks had 688 yards of total offense which set a school record for yards of offense in one game. The previous record was 667 against BYU in 1989.[20]

Purdue

1 2 3 4OT2OT Total
Ducks 3 3 14 336 32
Boilermakers 13 7 0 330 26

Oregon lost at Purdue 13-7 in their only meeting in 1979. These two teams will played again in Eugene during the 2009 season.

Passing Leaders Rushing Leaders Receiving Leaders
Justin Roper: 20/48, 197 Yards LeGarrette Blount: 10 Carries, 132 Yards, 2 Touchdowns Ed Dickson: 7 Receptions, 93 Yards
Jeremiah Johnson: 17 Carries, 96 Yards Jaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 49 Yards
Justin Roper: 6 Carries, 40 Yards Jeffrey Maehl: 7 Receptions, 38 Yards

Considered by some to be Oregon's first test of the year, the Ducks, along with several mistakes, found out that this was almost too much for them to handle. Immediately surrendering the first points of the game to Purdue's Kory Sheets on an 80-yard touchdown run that was the second play of the game and turning the ball over twice in the first quarter resulted in a 20-3 deficit very early in the game. However, the Ducks were able to keep some of its offensive prowess, out gaining the Boilermakers 282 to 195 yards. It was the inability to put together a good drive that kept the Ducks down.

With the score in favor of Purdue 20-6, Oregon was able to score twice to even the score. The first came on an 87-yard punt return from Jairus Byrd and the second on a 96-yard drive that featured a 72-yard run by LeGarrette Blount. Both teams scored a field goal each in the fourth quarter leaving the game tied 23-23 at the end of regulation. Purdue did attempt a 44-yard field goal with :02 left on the clock, but that try was missed. In the first over time both Oregon and Purdue could do no better than a field goal and during the second over time Oregon's defense, which had work so efficiently throughout the game, forced the Boilermakers to attempt a 47-yard field goal, which was missed. On the Ducks' possession of the overtime Chris Harper, Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount all took turns running Oregon into the end zone for the game winning touchdown.

During the Oregon possession of the first overtime, quarterback Justin Roper suffered a sprained knee and is currently expected to be out for two to four weeks. This means that for the Boise State game Oregon will be starting its third string quarterback for only the third game of the year.[21]

Top performers during the game are: Justin Roper completing 20 of 48 passes for 197 yards, LeGarrette Blount rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries and tight end Ed Dickson catching seven passes for 93 yards.[22]

Boise State

1 2 3 4 Total
Broncos 0 24 13 0 37
Ducks 6 0 7 19 32

First ever meeting between the schools, Oregon will travel to Boise for the first time next season.

Passing Leaders Rushing Leaders Receiving Leaders
Darron Thomas: 13/25, 210 Yards, 3 Touchdowns LeGarrette Blount: 18 Carries, 99 Yards, 1 Touchdown Ed Dickson: 7 Receptions, 103 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Jeremiah Masoli: 3/4, 27 Yards Jeremiah Johnson: 22 Carries, 94 Yards, 1 Touchdown Jeffrey Maehl: 2 Receptions, 46 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Chris Harper: 0/3, 0 Yards Chris Harper: 9 Carries, 21 Yards Terrance Scott: 3 Receptions, 45 Yards

Highlights of the game: Quarterback Kellen Moore (BSU) had 386 yards passing, running back LeGarrette Blount (ORE) rushed for 99 yards, and tight end Ed Dickson (ORE) received 103 yards.

Washington State

1 2 3 4 Total
Ducks 21 14 21 7 63
Cougars 0 7 0 7 14

Oregon defeated Washington State 53-7 in Eugene last year, however, in 2008, the teams will be playing in Pullman and Washington State has hired a new coaching staff.

Passing Leaders Rushing Leaders Receiving Leaders
Jeremiah Masoli: 9/16, 161 Yards, 2 Touchdowns LeGarrette Blount: 15 Carries, 98 Yards, 3 Touchdowns Jaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 102 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Darron Thomas: 0/3, 0 Yards Jeremiah Johnson: 10 Carries, 89 Yards, 3 Touchdowns Terrance Scott: 4 Receptions, 48 Yards
Remene Alston: 6 Carries, 73 Yards Aaron Pflugrad: 1 Reception, 11 Yards

Projected to have a 48-14 win, the Oregon Ducks certainly spoiled the homecoming of the Washington State Cougars. Three touchdowns in the first five minutes of play made this game unreachable for the Cougars. The Ducks never slowed down, scoring on a majority of their possessions, leaving Pullman with a 63-14 win. Jeremiah Masoli started for the Ducks. Running backs Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount each ran for three touchdowns, while wide receiver Jaison Williams caught two touchdown passes, from Masoli.

USC

1 2 3 4 Total
Ducks 7 3 0 0 10
Trojans 3 24 10 7 44

Coming off an emotional win against USC last year the Ducks will look to make it two in a row over the Trojans in Los Angeles.

The Ducks scored on the first possession of the game to lead 7-0 via a Jeremiah Johnson touchdown run. The Ducks led 10-3 in the second quarter, but a scoring explosion late in the second quarter on the part of the Trojans gave them a commanding 27-10 halftime lead. Oregon did not manage to score in the second half and went on to lose 44-10. Oregon's Jeremiah Johnson scored what would be the only touchdown given up by USC at home for the entire 2008 season

UCLA

1 2 3 4 Total
Bruins 0 0 14 10 24
Ducks 7 7 7 10 31

The Ducks lost 16-0 last year in Los Angeles. It was Oregon's first time being shut-out since 1985 (at Nebraska).

After losing to the Bruins 16-0 in Los Angeles the year before, the Ducks beat the Bruins in Eugene 31-24. The Ducks took a 14-0 lead into the half and hung on to win in the second half. Jeremiah Masoli rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown.)

Arizona State

1 234Total
Oregon 13 102110 54
Arizona St 0 677 20

The Ducks have won the previous three meetings against the Sun Devils (including the last two in Tempe) by an average of 15 points per game.

California

1 2 3 4 Total
Ducks 6 0 10 0 16
Golden Bears 9 7 3 7 26
The Ducks on offense

Oregon faced an unranked Cal team on the road during a rainy day in Berkeley with Kevin Riley as the starter. Oregon capitalized on an interception at midfield on Cal's first possession with a 17-yard run by Jeremiah Masoli with the PAT missing. The Bears responded quickly with a 22-yard pass from Riley to Jeremy Ross on the ensuing possession. Jahvid Best was able to break free for a 50-yard run from the Cal 20, but fumbled the ball in Ducks territory.[23] The Bears held the Ducks and got a safety when Oregon snapped the ball high and into the end zone on a punt attempt. Cal took advantage of the free kick to advance down the field, during which Riley sustained a concussion when he failed to slide while attempting to gain a first down and was sandwiched between three defenders. He did not return to the game and was replaced by Nate Longshore.

Best had his second fumble of the game in the second quarter, but Sean Cattouse then intercepted Masoli to negate it. The Bears fumbled again on a rushing attempt by Shane Vereen but the Ducks were stopped cold on a fourth down conversion attempt in Cal territory. The only score of the quarter was set up by a 50-yard interception return by Worrell Williams, capped off by a 2-yard pass from Longshore to Nyan Boateng.

Both teams traded field goals in third quarter until the Ducks blitzed down the field from their own 45-yard line and scored with three plays in 33 seconds on a 17-yard run by running back Jeremiah Johnson for their final score of the game.[23] In the fourth quarter, Ducks cornerback Jairus Bryd fumbled a punt which was recovered by the Bears, allowing Vereen to score on a 2-yard run to put the game away.

Jeremiah Johnson went over the century mark with a 117 yards rushing, including a touchdown, the second rusher to do so against the Bears.[24] Masoli himself had 97 rushing yards, more than double his 44 passing yards, including a touchdown run. For the Bears, Longshore finished with a 136 passing yards including one touchdown, while Best had 93 rushing yards.

Stanford

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinal 3 14 3 8 28
Ducks 17 3 7 8 35

Last year Oregon scored 55 against the Cardinal in California and have not lost to Stanford since 2001.

Oregon jumped out to a 17-3 early lead and led 20-17 at the half on a rain soaked field in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks had to rally and score a touchdown on a 7-yard run by LeGarrette Blount with 6 seconds left to pull out a 35-28 win. That brought the Ducks 2008 record to 7-3 but was not enough to return the Ducks to the top 25.

Arizona

1 2 3 4 Total
Wildcats 10 7 7 21 45
Ducks 21 24 3 7 55

The Ducks will look to avenge the loss suffered when they traveled to Tucson and became one of many #2 ranked teams to lose last season. Oregon's last win against Arizona came in 2005

The Oregon Ducks started hot against the Arizona Wildcats in Eugene, with Jeremiah Masoli getting a career high in rushing touchdowns (3) and broke the record for an Oregon quarterback in this category in a single Ducks game. He also had two passing touchdowns, all five in the first half. Oregon led at the half, 45-17, but Arizona started the second half hot. The Wildcats managed to hold the Ducks to merely ten points in the second half, while they had a 21-point fourth quarter to pull within three. However, a 40-yard touchdown hit from Masoli to LeGarrette Blounte sealed the Ducks win, 55-45, to avenge a loss to the Wildcats from last year.

This game was the first in which the Ducks wore their new "blackout" jerseys and black helmets, to fit with the Autzen Stadium "blackout" theme for the game.

Oregon State

1 234Total
Oregon 17 20721 65
Oregon State 7 10147 38

Beavers won at Oregon for the first time since 1993 last year, ending a ten-year run of the home team winning in the series. This season the game is in Corvallis, a place the Ducks have not won at since 1996. The stakes for this game were recently raised - if the Ducks win, they will place second in the PAC-10 and will more than likely receive a Holiday Bowl berth. If the Beavers won, they would receive their first Rose Bowl berth since 1964, by virtue of their earlier win over Southern California.

None of that happened however, as Oregon gained 694 yards on 69 plays, a 10.1 yard per play average. The loss was a Civil War record for points allowed as well as yards allowed, and saw the Beavers fall from Rose Bowl hopefuls to being demoted to the third position in the Pac-10, playing in the Sun Bowl (won by the Beavers by a 3-0 score [sic]. The Ducks went on to win the Holiday Bowl over Oklahoma State, 42-31.

Holiday Bowl

1 234Total
Oklahoma State 17 077 31
Oregon 7 02114 42

This is the third trip to the Holiday Bowl for the Ducks this decade. They beat Texas 35-30 in 2000, and lost to Oklahoma 17-14 in 2005. This will be Oklahoma State's second Holiday Bowl and first since 1988, when their current head coach Mike Gundy started at quarterback and that year's Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders lined up in the backfield. That team throttled Wyoming 62-14. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Ducks and Cowboys.

Roster

(as of August 27, 2008)

Cornerbacks

  • 6 Walter Thurmond III - Junior - West Covina, Calif.
  • 8 Brian Butterfield - Sophomore - Sherwood, Ore.
  • 14 Javes Lewis - Freshman - Tustin, Calif.
  • 17 Willie Glasper - Junior - Pittsburgh, Calif.
  • 18 Anthony Gildon - Sophomore - Simi Valley, Calif.
  • 32 Jairus Byrd - Junior - Clayton, Mo.
  • 36 William Wallace - Freshman - West Covina, Calif.
  • 37 Talmadge Jackson III - Sophomore - Temecula, Calif.

Defensive Backs

  • 28 Scott Grady - Freshman - Tigard, Ore.
  • 31 Kenjon Barner - Freshman - Riverside, Calif.
  • 34 Pono Kam - Junior - Honolulu, Hawaii

Defensive Ends

  • 39 Will Tukuafu - Junior - Salt Lake City, Utah
  • 41 Matt Simms - Freshman - Carmel Valley, Calif.
  • 49 Nick Reed - Senior - Trabuco Canyon, Calif.
  • 45 Terrell Turner - Freshman - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 88 Brandon Bair - Sophomore - St. Anthony, Idaho
  • 89 Michael DiVincenzo - Junior - Porter Ranch, Calif.
  • 95 Tonio Celotto - Sophomore - Oakland, Calif.
  • 98 Dominic Glover - Freshman - Ladera Ranch, Calif.
  • 99 Conrad Davis - Sophomore - Elmira, Ore.

Defensive Tackles

  • 30 Justin Thompson - Junior - Inglewood, Calif.
  • 43 Michael Speed - Senior - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 50 Simi Toeaina - Junior - Afono, Amer. Samoa
  • 72 Hamani Stevens - Freshman - Hemet, Calif.
  • 90 Blake Ferras - Junior - San Jose, Calif.
  • 91 Ra'shon Harris - Senior - Pittsburgh, Calif.
  • 94 Hayden Piper - Freshman - Concord, Calif.
  • 96 Mike Bellagamba - Junior - Los Altos, Calif.
  • 97 Cole Linehan - Senior - Banks, Ore.

Free Safety

  • 1 Marvin Johnson - Sophomore - Compton, Calif.
  • 20 John Boyett - Freshman - Napa, Calif.
  • 27 Titus Jackson - Junior - Pomona, Calif.

Halfbacks

  • 46 Matt Larkin - Senior - Boise, Idaho
 

Linebackers

  • 33 Tyrell Irvin - Sophomore - Denver, Colo.
  • 40 John Bacon - Senior - Golden, Colo.
  • 44 Brandon Hanna - Freshman - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
  • 45 Terrell Turner - Freshman - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 47 Kiko Alonso - Freshman - Los Gatos, Calif.
  • 52 Terrance Pritchett - Freshman - Sacramento, Calif.
  • 53 Dewitt Stuckey - Freshman - Stockton, Calif.
  • 55 Casey Matthews - Sophomore - Agoura Hills, Calif.
  • 56 Blake Thompson - Freshman - Cottage Grove, Ore.
  • 58 Kenny Rowe - Sophomore - Long Beach, Calif.
  • 59 Jeff Palmer - Freshman - Dana Point, Calif.
  • 87 Zach Taylor - Junior - Austin, Texas

Offensive Guards

  • 63 Jon Teague - Senior - Portland, Ore.

Offensive Linemen

  • 51 Jeff Kendall - Senior - Colorado Springs, Colo.
  • 54 Jordan Holmes - Sophomore - Yuba City, Calif.
  • 61 Nick Cody - Freshman - Brush Prairie, Wash.
  • 62 Ryan Amacher - Freshman - Lake Oswego, Ore.
  • 64 Max Forer - Sophomore - Santa Monica, Calif.
  • 68 C.E. Kaiser - Sophomore - Veradale, Wash.
  • 69 Bo Thran - Sophomore - Gresham , Ore.
  • 70 Ramsen Golpashin - Freshman - Santa Clarita, Calif.
  • 71 Mark Lewis - Senior - Arroyo Grande, Calif.
  • 74 Darrion Weems - Freshman - Winnetka, Calif.
  • 77 Carson York - Freshman - Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
  • 79 Mark Asper - Sophomore - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Offensive Tackles

  • 57 Fenuki Tupou - Senior - Elverta, Calif.
  • 60 Max Unger - Senior - Honaunau, Hawai'i
  • 65 Lance Barker - Freshman - Anaheim, Calif.
  • 76 Charlie Carmichael - Freshman - Sherman Oaks, Calif.
  • 78 Jacob Hucko - Senior - Buena Park, Calif.

Punters

  • 26 Tim Taylor - Sophomore - Corvallis, Ore.
  • 80 Josh Syria - Senior - Wenatchee, Wash.

Place Kickers

  • 23 Morgan Flint - Junior - Bend, Ore.
  • 41 Daniel Padilla - Sophomore - Corona, Calif.
  • 85 Matt Evensen - Senior - Portland, Ore.
  • 93 Rob Beard - Freshman - Fullerton, Calif.
 

Quarterbacks

  • 1 Darron Thomas - Freshman - Houston, TX
  • 2 Jeremiah Masoli - Sophomore - Daly City, Calif.
  • 3 Chris Harpor - Freshman - Wichita, KS
  • †7 Nate Costa - Sophomore - Hilmar, Calif.
  • 11 Justin Roper - Sophomore - Buford, Ga.

Running Backs

  • 5 Remene Alston Jr. - Sophomore - Greensboro, N.C.
  • 9 LeGarrette Blount - Junior - Perry, Fla.
  • 21 LaMichael James - Freshman - Texarkana, Texas
  • 22 Andre Crenshaw - Junior - Lancaster, Calif.
  • 24 Jeremiah Johnson - Senior - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 26 Malachi Lewis - Sophomore - Oxnard, Calif.

Rovers

  • 2 T. J. Ward - Junior - Antioch, Calif.
  • 5 Max Pond - Freshman - Sonoma, Calif.
  • 15 Patrick Chung - Senior - Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
  • ‡29 Todd Doxey - Freshman - San Diego, Calif.

Strong Side Linebackers

  • 13 Jerome Boyd - Senior - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 35 Spencer Paysinger - Sophomore - Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 38 Eddie Pleasant - Freshman - La Palma, Calif.
  • 54 Riley Showalter - Junior - Portland, Ore.
  • 56 Josh Kaddu - Freshman - Vacaville, Calif.
  • 25 Tyler Briffett - Freshman - Boston, Mass.

Tight Ends

  • 12 NaDerris Ward - Sophomore - Oakland, Calif.
  • 42 David Paulson - Freshman - Auburn, Wash.
  • 83 Ed Dickson - Junior - Bellflower, Calif.
  • 84 Mychal Rivera - Freshman - Van Nuys, Calif.
  • 96 Jennings Stewart - Freshman - Grants Pass, Ore.

Wide Receivers

  • 4 Jaison Williams - Senior - Inglewood, Calif.
  • 8 Terence Scott - Senior - Knoxville, Tenn.
  • 14 Elvis Akpla - Freshman - Portland, Ore.
  • 2 Ellis Krout - Junior - Dallas, Texas
  • 19 Blake Cantu - Freshman - Southlake, Texas
  • 23 Jeff Maehl - Sophomore - Paradise, Calif.
  • 31 Justin Hoffman - Freshman - Eugene, Ore.
  • 82 Drew Davis - Sophomore - Denver, Colo.
  • 86 Kevin Oberding - Sophomore - Clackamas, Ore.
  • 89 Aaron Pflugrad - Sophomore - Eugene, Ore.
  • 91 Rory Cavaille - Junior - Shelton, Wash.
  • 94 Michael Mackie - Freshman - Wallingford, Conn.
  • 98 Brody Wilkins - Freshman - Marcola, Ore.
† Injured
‡ Player Deceased

Coaching staff

Rankings

Ranking Movement
Poll Pre Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 9 Wk 10 Wk 11 Wk 12 Wk 13 Wk 14 Wk 15 Final
AP 21 18 16 17 NR 23 NR NR NR 23 NR NR 24 19 16 15 10
Coaches 20 16 14 12 22 20 NR NR NR 24 NR NR 22 18 14 13 9
Harris Not released 21 NR NR NR 24 NR NR 22 19 15 15
BCS Not released NR 24 NR NR 24 23 19 19

Statistics

Team

Team Opp
Scoring 503 336
  Points per Game 41.9 28.0
First Downs 279 249
  Rushing 149 74
  Passing 102 148
  Penalty 28 27
Total Offense 5738 4596
  Avg per Play 6.5 4.9
  Avg per Game 478.2 383.0
Fumbles-Lost 24-13 21-15
Penalties-Yards 89-772 87-881
  Avg per Game 64.3 73.4
Team Opp
Punts-Yards 52-2225 73-2777
  Avg per Punt 42.8 38.0
Time of Possession/Game 25:19 34:41
3rd Down Conversions 66-169 85-211
4th Down Conversions 7-17 7-17
Touchdowns Scored 65 40
Field Goals-Attempts 18-25 18-25
PAT-Attempts 57-60 36-37
Attendance 350661 345515
Games/Avg Per Game 6/58444 6/57586

Scores by quarter

1 2 3 4OT2OT Total
Oregon 146 108 125 11536 503
Opponents 45 130 71 8730 336

Offense

Rushing

Name GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
Jeremiah Johnson 12 156 1133 51 1082 6.9 12 83 90.2
LeGarrette Blount 12 130 961 33 928 7.1 16 72 77.3
Jeremiah Masoli 11 111 724 112 612 5.5 7 66 55.6
Remene Alston 7 21 166 5 161 7.7 1 43 23.0
Chris Harper 11 35 167 30 137 3.9 2 21 12.5
Terance Scott 12 8 126 0 126 15.8 1 51 10.5
Andre Crenshaw 12 22 123 118 5.4 1 39 9.8
Justin Roper 6 17 106 21 85 5.0 1 16 14.2
Jeffrey Maehl 12 10 88 3 85 8.5 0 15 7.1
Darron Thomas 5 13 42 15 27 2.1 1 12 5.4
Jamere Holland 6 2 26 0 26 13.0 0 16 4.3
Ed Dickson 12 3 18 0 18 6.0 0 9 1.5
Marvin Johnson 10 1 3 0 3 3.0 0 3 0.3
Matt Larkin 12 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0
Aaron Plugrad 12 1 0 5 -5 -5.0 0 0 -0.4
TEAM 9 14 0 69 -69 -4.9 0 0 -7.7
Total 12 545 3683 349 3334 6.1 42 83 277.8
Opponents 12 466 1826 393 1433 3.1 15 80 119.4

Passing

Name GP Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
Jeremiah Masoli 11 132.6 118-207-4 57.0 1486 12 76 135.1
Justin Roper 6 111.1 48-91-4 52.7 610 3 62 101.7
Darron Thomas 5 140.6 16-33-1 48.5 268 3 41 53.6
Chris Harper 11 74.0 4-9-2 44.4 40 1 31 3.6
Ed Dickson 12 0.0 0-1-0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0
Total 12 125.7 186-341-11 54.5 2404 19 76 200.3
Opponents 12 124.1 279-480-14 58.1 3163 24 73 263.6

Receiving

Name GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
Terence Scott 12 42 626 14.9 5 76 52.2
Jeff Maehl 12 37 420 11.4 5 65 35.0
Ed Dickson 12 33 479 14.5 3 45 39.9
Jaison Williams 12 33 421 12.8 3 48 35.1
Chris Harper 11 9 122 13.6 2 62 11.1
Jeremiah Johnson 12 7 69 9.9 0 25 5.8
Aaron Pflugrad 12 6 79 13.2 0 26 6.6
Drew Davis 9 5 85 17.0 0 45 9.4
Andre Crenshaw 12 2 29 14.5 0 31 2.4
Rory Cavaille 11 2 12 6.0 1 9 1.1
Malachi Lewis 12 2 11 5.5 0 6 0.9
Jamere Holland 6 2 8 4.0 0 8 1.3
LeGarrette Blount 12 2 2 1.0 0 2 0.2
Mike Mackie 1 1 14 14.0 0 14 14.0
Remene Alston 7 1 10 10.0 0 10 1.4
Matt Larkin 12 1 10 10.0 0 10 0.8
Jairus Byrd 12 1 7 7.0 0 7 0.6
Total 12 186 2404 12.9 19 76 200.3
Opponents 12 279 3163 11.3 24 73 263.6

Defense

Name GP Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Fumbles Blkd
Kick
Saf
Solo Ast Total TFL-Yds No-Yds Int-Yds BrUp PD QBH Rcv-Yds FF
T.J. Ward 12 61 32 93 5.5-13 1.0-3 1-16 7 8     4    
Spencer Paysinger 12 39 47 86 9.0-18 2.0-8 2-70 6 8 1        
Patrick Chung 12 52 30 82 6.5-34 2.0-18 1-31 6 7 1 1-3 1    
Jerome Boyd 12 48 27 75 6.0-33 3.0-26   5 5 2 1-0 1    
Jairus Byrd 12 54 20 74 1.5-3   4-13 14 18   1-0 1    
Walter Thurmond III 11 46 15 61 1.0-3   4-67 7 11          
Casey Matthews 12 32 26 58 11.0-40 2.0-10   2 2 3        
Will Tukuafu 12 30 22 52 16.0-68 7.0-44   2 2 1 1-0 1    
Nick Reed 12 34 16 50 19.5-104 13.0-83   2 2 12 5-0 1    
Ra'shon Harris 12 24 18 42 7.0-22 2.0-8       1 2-0      
Talmidge Jackson 12 20 10 30     2 - 0 3 5          
Willie Glasper 12 18 2 20                    
Cole Linehan 12 9 11 20 2.0-4 1.5-2       1 1-0      
Javes Lewis 12 11 7 18       3 3          
John Bacon 10 8 10 18 2.5-7 1.0-5                
Eddie Pleasant 11 11 4 15       2 2     1    
Marvin Johnson 10 8 6 14             1-21      
Michael Speed 12 8 5 13 2.5-12 2.5-12       1        
Kenny Rowe 12 9 1 10       2 2     1    
Riley Showalter 12 3 6 9       1 1          
Tonio Celotto 10 4 4 8 1.0-1                  
Garrett Embry 12 4 3 7                    
Brandon Bair 12 4 3 7             1-24 1    
Jeff Maehl 12 5 1 6 0.5-1                  
Josh Kaddu 5 3 2 5                    
Brandon Hanna 4 3 1 4                    
Titus Jackson 6 1 3 4       1 1          
Total 12 566 341 907 93-366 38-227 14-197 64 78 23 15-54 12    
Opponents 12 506 364 870 80-259 18-102 11-173 40 51 2 13-0 12 2 2

Special teams

Name Punting Kickoffs
No. Yds Avg Long TB FC I20 Blkd No. Yds Avg TB OB
Josh Syria 4 175 43.8 52 1 1 2 0        
Matt Evensen                 8 544 68.0 5 0
Morgan Flint                            
Total 4 175 43.8 52 1 1 2 0 8 544 68.0 5 0
Opponents 10 356 35.6 57 0 3 0 0 3 204 68.0 2 0
Name Punt Returns Kick Returns
No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long
Andre Crenshaw           1 24 24.0 0 24
Jarius Byrd 5 78 15.6 0 51        
Total 5 78 15.6 0 51 1 24 24.0 0 24
Opponents 1 -1 -1.0 0 0 3 36 12.0 0 21

References

  1. "Oregon's Zimmerman Elected Into NFL Hall of Fame". GoDucks.com. February 2, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  2. "Reed Named to '08 Lott Trophy Watch List". GoDucks.com. April 4, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  3. "Unger, Tupou Named to Outland Trophy Watch List". GoDucks.com. April 18, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  4. "Oregon Spring Game - White 36, Green 3". GoDucks.com. April 27, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  5. "Oregon's NFL Draft Wrap". GoDucks.com. April 30, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  6. "Chung, Reed Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List". GoDucks.com. May 12, 2008. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  7. "Oregon's Unger Added to Rimington Trophy Watch List". GoDucks.com. May 13, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  8. "2008 Maxwell and Bednarik Award Watch LIst". Maxwell Football Club. June 30, 2008. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  9. "Ducks Lead the Nation with Trio of Jim Thorpe Award Nominees". GoDucks.com. July 7, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  10. "Oregon's Todd Doxey Succumbs to Drowning Accident". GoDucks.com. July 14, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  11. "Ducks Suspend Garrett". GoDucks.com. July 26, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  12. "Dickson Named to Mackey Award Watch List". GoDucks.com. July 31, 2008. Archived from the original on August 27, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  13. "Reed Makes Camp List". GoDucks.com. August 18, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  14. "Nate Costa to Miss First Part of 2008 Season". GoDucks.com. August 25, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  15. "Football Recruit Tracker - NCAA Schools - Oregon (Subscription Required)". ESPN. February 7, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  16. "Oregon rushes for school-record 465 yards in big win". ESPN. October 20, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  17. "Surgery Expected to End Season for Costa". GoDucks.com. August 27, 2008. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  18. "Roper's Early Exit from Saturday's Game Not Expected to Impact This Week's Status". GoDucks.com. August 31, 2008. Archived from the original on September 12, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  19. "Roper suffers concussion, but Masoli steps in to lead Ducks to win". ESPN. August 30, 2008. Archived from the original on September 12, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  20. "Record Performance for No. 18 Ducks in 66-24 Drubbing of Utah State". GoDucks.com. September 6, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  21. "Ducks starting quarterback sprains left knee against Purdue". ESPN. September 13, 2008. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  22. "No. 16 Ducks Rally for OT Win at Purdue, 32-26". GoDucks.com. September 13, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  23. 1 2 "California 26, Oregon 16". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  24. "Cal-Oregon Game Notes". University of California. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
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