2007 Oregon Ducks football team explained

Year:2007
Team:Oregon Ducks
Sport:football
Conference:Pacific-10 Conference
Short Conf:Pac-10
Coachrank:24
Aprank:23
Record:9–4
Conf Record:5–4
Head Coach:Mike Bellotti
Hc Year:13th
Off Coach:Chip Kelly
Oc Year:1st
Off Scheme:Spread
Def Coach:Nick Aliotti
Dc Year:11th
Def Scheme:4–3
Captain:Patrick Chung
Captain2:Dennis Dixon
Captain3:A. J. Tuitele
Captain4:Max Unger
Champion:Sun Bowl champion
Bowl Result:W 56–21 vs. South Florida
Uniform:Pac-10-Uniform-UO-2007.png

The 2007 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon as a member of the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by 13th-year head coach Mike Bellotti, the Ducks compiled an overall record of 9–4 with a mark of 5–4 in conference play, tying for fourth place in the Pac-10. he team played home games at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

The Ducks rose to a national rank of number 2 in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) poll, until an injury to starting quarterback Dennis Dixon led to defeat at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats on November 15.[1] They lost the next game to UCLA as backup quarterback Brady Leaf was also injured. Oregon lost the season finale to rival Oregon State on December 1 by a score of 38–31 in two overtimes. Oregon finished the regular season at 8–4 and was invited to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. On December 31 freshman quarterback Justin Roper, making his first start, passed for fourth touchdowns, wcih tied for a Sun Bowl record, and 180 yards as Oregon crushed the favored South Florida Bulls, 56–21. Jonathan Stewart rushed for a Sun Bowl-record and career-high 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The 56 points scored by the Ducks were also a Sun Bowl record. Oregon was ranked 23rd in the final AP Poll.

Preseason

February 2 – After Gary Crowton, Oregon's Offensive Coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, resigned to perform the same duties with Louisiana State University, the University of Oregon hired University of New Hampshire Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly. While at UNH, Kelly's offenses averaged greater than 400 yards a game in seven of his eight years and over 30 points a game for the previous four years.[2]

April 28 – Green defeated White 20–6 in the 2007 spring game.[3]

April 29Jordan Kent, Dante Rosario, and Matt Toeaina were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. Dante Rosario was selected by the Carolina Panthers as the 18th pick in the fifth round. Matt Toeaina was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 13th pick in the sixth round. Jordan Kent was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 36th pick in the sixth round.[4]

May 9 – Former Oregon running back Ahmad Rashad, also known as Bobby Moore, was selected to the Class of 2007 entering the College Football Hall of Fame.[5]

July 26 – During the Pac-10's media day, the pre-season media poll picks the Ducks to finish 6th in the Pac-10.[6]

Recruiting class

The 2007 Oregon football recruiting class was selected by Scout.com as the ninth-best recruiting class of 2007 and was selected by Rivals.com as the 11th-best recruiting class of 2007. Oregon signed 27 high school seniors and two junior college transfers.[7]

Schedule

[8] [9] [10] [11]

Game summaries

Houston

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 9/15, 134 Yards, 2 TouchdownsDennis Dixon: 15 Carries, 141 Yards, 1 TouchdownBrian Paysinger: 4 Receptions, 63 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Jeremiah Johnson: 11 Carries, 70 Yards, 2 TouchdownsJaison Williams: 2 Receptions, 31 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Jonathan Stewart: 14 Carries, 67 YardsGarren Strong: 2 Receptions, 31 Yards

Oregon's Dennis Dixon ran for 141 yards, with an 80-yard run that resulted in a touchdown. Dixon also threw for 134 yards and two touchdowns, completing nine of 15 passes. Houston's Anthony Alridge converted 22 carries into 205 yards and one touchdown. Adridge also caught three passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Dixon's 141 rushing yards were the most by an Oregon quarterback since Tony Graziani's 108 yards against Oregon State in 1995. The score was tied at 20 points in the third quarter when Houston's Case Keenum attempted to throw a pass to Perry McDaniel in the end zone, but it was intercepted by Patrick Chung. The Ducks then went ahead 27 to 20 after Dixon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brian Paysinger. Forty seconds after the Paysinger touchdown, Dixon threw another to Jaison Williams, putting the Ducks up 34 to 20. Houston scored once more and Oregon twice more as the Ducks beat Houston 48 to 27.[12]

The game was also notable for a skirmish between the Ducks' mascot and the Cougars' mascot. The student fulfilling the role of the Duck was suspended soon after. The fight can be viewed on .[13]

Michigan

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 16/25, 292 Yards, 3 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 15 Carries, 111 Yards, 1 TouchdownBrian Paysinger: 4 Receptions, 97 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Brady Leaf: 1/1, 1 YardJeremiah Johnson: 13 Carries, 89 YardsDerrick Jones: 3 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Dennis Dixon: 16 Carries, 76 Yards, 1 TouchdownJaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 73 Yards, 1 Touchdown

This game was Michigan's worst defeat since 1968 when they lost 50 to 14 at Ohio State. Dennis Dixon accounted for 368 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns. Three touchdowns were thrown to three different receivers for 85, 61, and 45-yard scoring passes on Dixon's way to 292 throwing yards. Dixon also rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown. The Ducks led by 25 at halftime, and faced little opposition in the second half. According to Oregon coach Mike Bellotti the game was a "good win because I think there were some questions about how Michigan was going to bounce back, and whether we would be competitive. I think our players took that to heart." With this game Michigan opened the season with two home losses, the first time that had happened since 1959. It also gave them a losing streak of four games, the most in four decades. Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said "We have good kids and they're hurting. If losing doesn't make you hurt, you shouldn't be at Michigan."[14]

Fresno State

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 14/20, 139 Yards, 2 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 17 Carries, 165 Yards, 2 TouchdownsJaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards
Brady Leaf: 1/3, 15 YardsDennis Dixon: 8 Carries, 59 Yards, 1 TouchdownJeremiah Johnson: 1 Reception, 35 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Andre Crenshaw: 11 Carries, 52 Yards, 1 TouchdownEd Dickson: 3 Receptions, 27 Yards, 1 Touchdown

Oregon's 52–21 defeat of Fresno State was Bellotti's 100th win as a coach at the University of Oregon. Dennis Dixon threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Ducks running back Jonathan Stewart ran for 165 yards and scored two touchdowns, one touchdown being part of an 88-yard run. Dixon said "The sky's the limit right now. This offense is really clicking." Although Dixon didn't put up numbers as impressive as he did at Michigan the previous week, he had a solid performance, completing 14 for 20 passes for 139 yards and running for 59 yards. Oregon's mascot was suspended and watched the game, but not from the sidelines. Fresno State's quarterback Tom Brandstater completed 18–32 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. The loss was Fresno State's second against a ranked team on the road. The previous week the Bulldogs lost 47–45 to Texas A&M in triple overtime. Fresno State coach Pat Hill said "[h]ow many times do I have to say it? We got dominated in all three phases. We got beat pretty good today. That doesn't happen at Fresno State very often. Today we got beat by a better football team. They took it to us. End of conversation."[15]

Stanford

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 23/36, 367 Yards, 4 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 19 Carries, 160 Yards, 1 TouchdownCameron Colvin: 8 Receptions, 163 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Brady Leaf: 0/1, 0 YardsJeremiah Johnson: 14 Carries, 60 Yards, 1 TouchdownJaison Williams: 7 Receptions, 113 Yards, 2 Touchdown
Dennis Dixon: 9 Carries, 15 Yards, 1 TouchdownEd Dickson: 3 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 Touchdown

The Ducks beat the Cardinal 55 to 31.[16]

California

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 31/44, 306 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 2 InterceptionsJonathan Stewart: 21 Carries, 120 Yards, 1 TouchdownCameron Colvin: 7 Receptions, 74 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Jeremiah Johnson: 8 Carries, 40 YardsJaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 70 Yards
Dennis Dixon: 8 Carries, 17 Yards, 1 TouchdownEd Dickson: 6 Receptions, 67 Yards

The Bears defeated the Ducks 31 to 24. ESPN College GameDay was present (Corso picked Ducks to win)[17]

Washington State

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 21/28, 287 Yards, 3 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 13 Carries, 66 YardsJaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 108 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Brady Leaf: 4/6, 41 YardsJeremiah Johnson: 4 Carries, 63 Yards, 2 TouchdownsEd Dickson: 3 Receptions, 70 Yards
Justin Roper: 1/1, 10 YardsRemene Alston Jr.: 13 Carries, 26 YardsAaron Pflugrad: 4 Receptions, 47 Yards, 1 Touchdown

The Ducks defeated the Cougars 53 to 7.[18]

Washington

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 19/30, 196 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 InterceptionJonathan Stewart: 32 Carries, 251 Yards, 2 TouchdownsJaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 60 Yards
Andre Crenshaw: 15 Carries, 113 Yards, 2 TouchdownsGarren Strong: 5 Receptions, 53 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Dennis Dixon: 12 Carries, 99 Yards, 1 TouchdownAaron Pflugrad: 5 Receptions, 51 Yards

The Ducks defeated the Huskies 55 to 34.[19]

USC

See also: 2007 USC Trojans football team. The Ducks defeated the Trojans 24 to 17. Oregon's defensive back Matthew Harper interception on USC's final drive preserved Oregon's victory. Harper said "We knew somebody would make the play, and luckily it was me." Oregon's victory set them up for a chance at the national championship. Number 12 USC (No. 9 AP) lost after Oregon's Jonathan Stewart rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns, while Dennis Dixon completed 16 of 25 passes for 157 yards. Oregon was fifth in the BCS standings, and Dixon became a serious Heisman contender with his 76 rushing yards and 157 passing yards.[20]

Arizona State

Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
Dennis Dixon: 13/22, 189 Yards, 4 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 21 Carries, 99 Yards, 1 TouchdownJaison Williams: 5 Receptions, 106 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Brady Leaf: 2/4, 11 YardsDennis Dixon: 11 Carries, 57 YardsDrew Davis: 2 Receptions, 28 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Andre Crenshaw: 5 Carries, 31 YardsJonathan Stewart: 2 Receptions, 26 Yards, 1 Touchdown

In a game that was considered important enough for ESPN's College Gameday to be broadcast in Eugene,[21]

Notes and References

  1. News: Dixon's Injury Dooms Ducks' Title Hopes. SI.com. January 26, 2009. November 16, 2007.
  2. Web site: New Hampshire Coordinator Picked to Head Oregon Offense. February 9, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  3. Web site: Well Balanced Green Effort Wins Spring Game, 20–6. April 28, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  4. Web site: Trio of Ducks Chosen in NFL Draft. April 29, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  5. Web site: Oregon's Ahmad Rashad Selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. May 9, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  6. Web site: Pac-10 Media Poll Tabs Ducks Sixth. July 26, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928113254/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1138661. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  7. Web site: 27 High School Seniors & 2 JC Transfers Make Up 2007 Recruiting Class. February 7, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  8. Web site: . Oregon Ducks Schedule 2007 . . September 6, 2023 .
  9. Web site: . 2007 Oregon Ducks Schedule and Results . College Football @ Sports-Reference.com . . September 6, 2023 .
  10. Web site: . 2007 Football Schedule . University of Oregon Athletics . September 6, 2023 .
  11. Web site: . 2023 Oregon Football Record Book . University of Oregon Athletics . 41 . September 6, 2023 .
  12. Web site: Ducks 48, Cougars 27. https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173603/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272442483. dead. June 27, 2018. September 1, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 .
  13. News: Oregon Duck Suspended For Mascot Melee . CBS News . September 13, 2007. May 18, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080524142013/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/13/sportsline/main3258990.shtml. May 24, 2008. live.
  14. Web site: Ducks roll as Wolverines suffer worst loss since '68. https://web.archive.org/web/20180819051328/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272510130. dead. August 19, 2018. September 8, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 .
  15. Web site: Bellotti gets 100th victory as Oregon head coach. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017060052/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272582483. dead. October 17, 2020. September 15, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 .
  16. Web site: Dixon throws 4 TDs as No. 13 Ducks top Stanford. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017060111/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272650024. dead. October 17, 2020. September 22, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 .
  17. Web site: Jackson's career day leads Cal to thrilling win over Oregon. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017060055/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272722483. dead. October 17, 2020. September 29, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 .
  18. Web site: Oregon gets back on track, but Colvin, Johnson go down. October 13, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050712/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272862483. October 16, 2007. dead.
  19. Web site: Oregon rushes for school-record 465 yards in big win. October 20, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071023060924/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930264. October 23, 2007. dead.
  20. Web site: Harper's crucial interceptions help Oregon hold off USC. October 27, 2007. ESPN. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071029043742/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273002483. October 29, 2007. dead.
  21. Web site: Oregon Football Notes – Week 12. November 11, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 12, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075130/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1310141. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  22. Web site: Dixon Heads Pac-10's All-Conference Team. December 4, 2007. GoDucks.com. December 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120214060923/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1345480&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 14, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  23. Web site: Dixon Wins USA Today Player of the Week Award. September 11, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112754/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1212197. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  24. Web site: Dixon Named Pac-10 Player of the Week Again. September 24, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112848/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1247888. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  25. Web site: Dixon Added to Maxwell Award Watch List. October 23, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112902/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1286713. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  26. Web site: Accolades Continue For Dixon Despite Season-Ending Injury. November 19, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 20, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075213/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1322668. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  27. Web site: Dixon Named National Scholar-Athlete. October 25, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112911/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&ATCLID=1287725&DB_OEM_ID=500. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  28. Web site: Oregon Football Notes – Week 10. October 29, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208074619/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1291924&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  29. Web site: Rankin, Dixon, Reed, Bondzio Named U.S. Bank Pac-10 Football Players of the Week. November 5, 2007. The Pacific-10 Conference. November 5, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080220074415/http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110507aal.html. February 20, 2008. dead. mdy-all.
  30. Web site: Dixon and Reed Earn First-Team Academic All-District Honors. November 9, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 10, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075122/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1308835&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  31. Web site: Dixon, Stewart Semifinalists for Major Postseason Awards. November 14, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 14, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075200/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1311943&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  32. Web site: ESPN Heisman Watch . November 13, 2007 . ESPN . November 14, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071027180409/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/heisman07/index . October 27, 2007 . live .
  33. Web site: Dixon Finalist For Walter Camp Player-Of-The-Year Honors. November 27, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 29, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075252/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1327657&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  34. Web site: Evensen Selected as Semifinalist for Groza Award. November 7, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 7, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208075039/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&ATCLID=1306077&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  35. Web site: Harper Named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week. October 29, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208074544/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=1291835&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  36. Web site: Harper Named National Defensive Player of the Week. October 31, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120208074755/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&ATCLID=1293254&DB_OEM_ID=500. February 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
  37. Web site: Reed Named To Ted Hedricks Award Watch List. October 19, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928113026/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1283838. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  38. Web site: Oregon Football Notes – Week 8. October 15, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928113045/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1281524. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  39. Web site: Stewart Named to Maxwell Award List. June 26, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 .
  40. Web site: Stewart Named Pac-10 Player of the Week. October 22, 2007. GoDucks.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112946/http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3383&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=1285824. September 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
  41. Web site: 2007 Biletnikoff Award Watch List. August 28, 2007. CollegeFootballPoll.com. November 4, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071104150250/http://collegefootballpoll.com/season_preview_2007_watchlist_biletnikoff.html. November 4, 2007. dead.
  42. Web site: At Autzen,record-level crowd and noise to match. October 28, 2007. The Register-Guard. November 4, 2007 . February 22, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080222015613/http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/dt.cms.support.viewStory.cls?mid=7139. dead.
  43. During a nationally televised game against Auburn in 2003, ESPN recorded a noise level of 119 decibels at certain points in the game. During the October 6, 2007 game against the University of Florida, CBS recorded 129.8
  44. Web site: Dixon hurt but lifts No. 5 Oregon with 4 TD passes. November 3, 2007. ESPN. November 5, 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071106011403/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273072483. November 6, 2007. dead.
  45. News: Pac-10 Football | Ducks-Sun Devils get spot on ESPN |access-date=2007-11-07 |last=Withers |first=Bud |date=October 30, 2007 |publisher=Seattle Times| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071103090949/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2003982447_pactv30.html?syndication=rss| archive-date= November 3, 2007 | url-status= live}} the Oregon Ducks defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 35–23. Heisman hopeful Dennis Dixon threw for 189 yards and 4 touchdowns and led the Ducks to a victory that places Oregon in the lead for the Pac-10 championship.

    After the Ducks scored a touchdown on their first possession, a 26-yard pass to WR Jaison Williams, the Sun Devils began to march down the field. Showing the same poise as Dixon, ASU QB Rudy Carpenter led the Devils to the Oregon 2-yard line before the Oregon defense lived up to their "bend but don't break" style and held ASU to a field goal. That goal line stop would set the tone for the remainder of the game as Oregon held Arizona State to only 3 points in the first quarter and 13 in the first half.

    Trailing 13–21 at the half, Arizona State was able to make a field goal on their first possession in the second half, cutting the Oregon lead to 5. However, the Ducks were able to score the next 14 points of the game, giving the Ducks a 35–16 lead with one quarter left to play. Unfortunately approximately 2 minutes into the fourth quarter, Dennis Dixon was taken out after an awkward tackle and sat out the remainder of the game. Luckily his injury did not seem serious and he was seen jogging on the sidelines soon afterwards.

    Arizona State did score one more touchdown later in the fourth quarter, making the score its final 35–23. In a game which Rudy Carpenter was sacked 9 times, it seemed only fitting that the last play of the game was a sack as time ran out.

    Arizona

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    Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
    Brady Leaf: 22/46, 163 Yards, 2 InterceptionsJonathan Stewart: 28 Carries, 131 YardsJaison Williams: 8 Receptions, 120 Yards
    Dennis Dixon: 5/8, 62 Yards, 1 InterceptionKwame Agyeman: 1 Carry, 40 YardsEd Dickson: 6 Receptions, 44 Yards
    Dennis Dixon: 2 Carries, 34 Yards, 1 TouchdownDerrick Jones: 6 Receptions, 24 Yards

    The Ducks entered the game ranked No. 2 in both the AP poll and the BCS standings. A win in this game, followed by wins against UCLA and Oregon State, would almost assuredly result in a berth in the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans. The Ducks started the game hot, with a 39-yard touchdown run by Dennis Dixon and a successful two-point conversion. Following an Arizona interception, the Ducks had the ball back on the Arizona 4-yard line threatening to score again. However, Dixon threw an interception that was returned 45 yards and eventually capitalized by the Wildcats as a touchdown, cutting the score to 8–7. The Ducks responded with another solid drive getting the ball to the Arizona 15 and looked set to score again. On 2nd and 7, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon (the leading Heisman candidate at this point of the season) fell to the ground without being touched. Upon review it was clear that Dixon twisted his already-injured knee and tore his ACL. It would later be revealed that Dixon had actually torn the ligament in the previous week's game against Arizona State.

    Following the injury, Dixon—having amassed 183 yards on 19 plays—was replaced by Brady Leaf. Oregon's misfortunes mounted: Arizona scored a touchdown on an interception return, another on a punt return, and Leaf suffered an ankle injury, all before halftime. Oregon tried to rally from the 31–14 halftime deficit, but lost 34–24, ending their national championship hopes. The following day it was announced that Dixon's injury would end his season, and any hopes of a Heisman Trophy.

    UCLA

    Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
    Cody Kempt: 6/23, 52 Yards, 2 InterceptionsJonathan Stewart: 13 Carries, 33 YardsJaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 44 Yards
    Brady Leaf: 4/11, 45 YardsAndre Crenshaw: 11 Carries, 22 YardsEd Dickson: 5 Receptions, 31 Yards
    Justin Roper: 1/5, 8 Yards, 1 InterceptionJeffrey Maehl: 2 Carries, 14 YardsJeffrey Maehl: 2 Receptions, 30 Yards

    Oregon State

    Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
    Justin Roper: 13/25, 144 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 1 InterceptionJonathan Stewart: 39 Carries, 163 YardsJeffrey Maehl: 4 Receptions, 86 Yards, 1 Touchdown
    Cody Kempt: 0/3Andre Crenshaw: 5 Carries, 15 YardsEd Dickson: 3 Receptions, 17 Yards
    Ed Dickson: 1 Carry, 10 YardsJaison Williams: 2 Receptions, 16 Yards

    As of the 111th game in the series, the Ducks lead 55–46–10 all time. This was the first time the home team had not won since 1996, the first time Oregon State had won at Autzen Stadium since 1993, and the first time Oregon State had won two years in a row since 1973–74.

    Sun Bowl

    Passing LeadersRushing LeadersReceiving Leaders
    Justin Roper: 17/30, 180 Yards, 4 TouchdownsJonathan Stewart: 23 Carries, 253 Yards, 1 TouchdownJaison Williams: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards, 1 Touchdown
    Andre Crenshaw: 8 Carries, 52 YardsGarren Strong: 3 Receptions, 36 Yards, 1 Touchdown
    Cody Kempt: 2 Carries, 23 YardsJonathan Stewart: 2 Receptions, 29 Yards, 1 Touchdown

    After losing the last 3 games of the year, many analysts expected the Ducks to fare poorly in the Sun Bowl. But the Ducks came out strong. Making his first career start, freshman quarterback Justin Roper completed 17 of 30 passes for 180 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Jonathan Stewart rushed for a career-high and Sun Bowl record 253 yards and a touchdown and was named the Most Valuable Player of the game.

    Oregon, despite being a 7-point underdog, dominated the game, especially the second half. Holding on to an 18–14 lead at the half, Oregon came out and outscored South Florida 28–0 in the third quarter. The Ducks won 56–21. The 56 points scored was a Sun Bowl record. Jonathan Stewart's 253 rushing yards were a Sun Bowl record. The 35-point margin of victory was the second largest of the 2007–2008 bowl season. The Ducks finished the season 9–4 with their first bowl win since the 2001 season. They finished the season ranked 23rd in the final Associated Press Poll.

    Rankings

    See also: 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings.

    Personnel

    Coaching staff

    • Mike Bellotti – Head coach
    • Steve Greatwood – Offensive line
    • Nick Aliotti – Defensive coordinator
    • Chip Kelly – Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks
    • Gary campbell – Running backs
    • Michael gray – Defensive line
    • John neal – Secondary
    • Tom osborne – Tight ends & special teams
    • Don Pellum – Linebackers & recruiting coordinator
    • Robin Pflugrad – Wide receivers
    • Jim Radcliffe – Head strength and conditioning coach
    • Eddy morrissey – Graduate assistant coach
    • Jeff hawkins – Assistant athletic director/football operations

    Awards

    Team records

    • On September 8, the Oregon Ducks played in front of 109,733 spectators at the University of Michigan's Michigan Stadium, this total bettered their previous record of 102,247 spectators at the 1995 Rose Bowl against Penn State.
    • On September 29, 59,273 fans packed Autzen Stadium, making it at the time the largest crowd to attend a football game in state history. The previous record was 59,269 against the Oklahoma Sooners on September 16, 2006.
    • On October 20, against the Washington Huskies, the Oregon Ducks set a school record for rushing yards in a single game by the entire team, their total was 465 yards. The previous record was 446 yards against the Washington State Cougars in 2001. Also, during the game against the Huskies, RB Jonathan Stewart ran for 251 yards, which was good enough for the second highest total rushing yards in a single game by an individual in Oregon football history. The current record is 285 yards, held by Onterrio Smith during the game against Washington State in 2001.
    • On October 27, 59,277 fans filled Autzen Stadium, making it the largest crowd to attend a football game in state history. The previous record was 59,273 against the California Bears on September 29.
    • Also on October 27, the crowd at Autzen Stadium reached a noise level of 127.2 decibels, making it the loudest stadium in college football. The previous college record was 126 decibels at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the loudest outdoor stadium is Mile High Stadium, whose crowd reached a level of 128.7 decibels.[42] However, this is not true, as during the October 6, 2007 game between the University of Florida @ Louisiana State University, CBS recorded 129.8 decibels.[43]
    • On November 3, for consecutive weeks the Oregon record for number of individuals at a football game had fallen. For the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils 59,379 people were in attendance at Autzen Stadium. The previous record was set on October 27 at 59,277 in attendance.[44]
    • Also on November 3, Dennis Dixon broke the team record for career yards by a quarterback. The previous record was 1,171 yards by Reggie Ogborn between 1979 and 1980.

    Statistics

    Team

    Team Opp
    Scoring 496 307
      Points per game 38.2 23.6
    First Downs 321 260
      Rushing 174 97
      Passing 133 134
      Penalty 14 29
    Total offense 6,078 4,966
      Avg per play 5.9 5.1
    Team Opp
      Avg per game 467.5 382.0
    Fumbles lost 29–14 18–13
    Penalties – yards 79–715 83–696
      Avg per game 55.0 53.5
    Punts – yards 72–2,979 83–3,431
      Avg per Punt 41.4 41.3
    Time of possession/game 28:37 31:23
    Team Opp
    3rd down conversions 89/207 67/205
    4th down conversions 6/14 9/21
    Touchdowns Scored 62 36
    Field Goals – attempts 19–24 18–24
    PAT – attempts 59–59 33–34
    Attendance 411,915 334,054
    Neutral Attendance 49,867
      Games/Avg per game 7/58,845 5/66,811

    Scores by quarter

    Offense

    Rushing

    Name GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
    Jonathan Stewart 13 280 1,798 76 1,722 6.2 11 88 132.5
    Dennis Dixon 10 105 741 158 583 5.6 9 80 58.3
    Andre Crenshaw 13 82 445 30 415 5.1 4 39 31.9
    Jeremiah Johnson 6 54 360 16 344 6.4 5 42 57.3
    Derrick Jones 9 3 49 0 49 16.3 0 25 5.4
    Remene Alston 7 25 66 24 42 1.7 1 10 6.0
    Kwame Agyeman 13 1 40 0 40 40.0 0 40 3.1
    Jeffrey Maehl 13 3 34 0 34 11.3 0 18 2.6
    Brian Paysinger 4 3 25 0 25 8.3 1 14 6.2
    Cody Kempt 3 8 31 10 21 2.6 0 17 7.0
    Ed Dickson 13 2 10 0 10 5.0 0 10 0.8
    Daniel Barkley 2 1 8 0 8 8.0 0 8 4.0
    Pat So'oalo 13 0 7 0 7 0.0 0 0 0.5
    Geoff Schwartz 13 1 3 0 3 3.0 0 3 0.2
    Andiel Brown 11 2 2 0 2 1.0 0 2 0.2
    Brady Leaf 11 18 64 62 2 0.1 0 14 0.2
    Aaron Pflugrad 9 1 2 0 2 2.0 0 2 0.2
    Justin Roper 4 15 51 50 1 0.1 1 13 0.2
    Team 11 11 0 38 −38 −3.5 0 0 −3.5
    Total 13 615 3,736 464 3,272 5.3 32 88 251.7

    Passing

    Name GP Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
    Dennis Dixon 10 161.2 172–254–4 67.7 2,136 20 85 213.6
    Justin Roper 4 125.5 32–61–2 52.5 342 6 33 85.5
    Brady Leaf 11 73.9 34–72–2 47.2 276 0 30 25.1
    Cody Kempt 3 24.5 6–26–2 23.1 52 0 15 17.3
    Total 13 132.1 244–413–10 59.1 2,806 26 85 215.8

    Receiving

    Name GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
    Jaison Williams 13 55 844 15.3 8 52 64.9
    Ed Dickson 13 43 453 10.5 3 46 34.8
    Garren Strong 13 27 249 9.2 3 17 19.2
    Johnathan Stewart 13 22 145 6.6 2 21 11.2
    Cameron Colvin 6 20 248 12.4 2 71 41.3
    Derrick Jones 9 19 199 10.5 2 61 22.1
    Aaron Pflugrad 9 17 168 9.9 1 23 18.7
    Brian Paysinger 4 9 165 18.3 2 85 41.2
    Jeffrey Maehl 13 9 118 13.1 1 33 9.1
    Jeremiah Johnson 6 7 98 14.0 1 35 16.3
    Andre Crenshaw 13 4 17 4.2 0 7 1.3
    Drew Davis 10 3 35 11.7 1 19 3.5
    Malachi Lewis 13 3 26 8.7 0 18 2.0
    Rory Cavaille 11 2 17 8.5 0 9 1.5
    Terence Scott 5 2 4 2.0 0 5 0.8
    Ryan Keeling 5 1 10 10.0 0 10 2.0
    Matt Larkin 12 1 10 10.0 0 10 0.8
    Total 13 244 2,806 11.5 26 85 215.8

    Defense

    NameGPTacklesSacksPass defenseFumblesBlkd
    kick
    Saf
    Solo Ast Total TFL-yds No-Yds Int-Yds BU PD QBH Rcv-Yds FF
    Patrick Chung 13 53 42 95 5.5–14 2–0 5 7 1 2
    Walter Thurmond III 13 60 23 83 7.0–13 2–44 16 18 1–25
    Matthew Harper 13 38 40 78 2.0–19 2.0–19 3–116 6 9 1 1
    Jerome Boyd 13 35 23 58 10.0–34 3.0–21 1–0 2 3 1–0 1
    Jairus Byrd 13 34 18 52 4.0–13 1.0–6 4–22 4 7 1 2–0
    Nick Reed 13 21 24 45 19.5–104 11.0–93 1
    Kwame Agyeman 13 26 18 44 6.0–14 1.0–7 2 2 2
    John Bacon 9 18 24 42 1.5–2 1–49 1 2
    Will Tukuafu 13 19 9 28 6.5–17 2.5–11 1 1 4 3–0 2
    A.J. Tuitele 8 12 9 21 1.0–4 1 1
    Jeremy Gibbs 13 10 10 20 4.0–20 3.0–19 1 1 8
    Willie Glasper 13 11 9 20 1.0–3 1–0
    Kevin Garrett 12 5 7 12 1.0–4 3
    T.J. Ward 13 14 3 17 1–0
    David Faaeteete 13 12 4 16 8.0–29 2.0–11 1 1 1 1 1
    Cole Linehan 13 7 6 13 2.0–6 1.0–4 1
    Casey Matthews 11 9 7 16 4.0–5 1.0–1
    Tonio Celotto 11 6 5 11 3.0–9 1 1 1
    Ra'Shon Harris 11 6 2 8 1.0–1 4
    Jeffrey Maehl 13 8 6 14 1.0–1
    Marvin Johnson 12 2 6 8
    Talmadge Jackson III 13 4 2 6
    Kenny Rowe 13 4 1 5 4.0–28 3.0–22 1
    Ryan DePalo 8 1 3 4
    Brandon Bair 13 3 1 4 1.0–5 2 1–0
    Spencer Paysinger 13 1 1 2 2
    Michael Speed 10 1 1 2
    Jeremiah Johnson 6 3 1 4
    Matt Larkin 12 1 1
    Andre Crenshaw 13 2 1 3 1
    Ed Dickson 13 2 1 3 1
    Erik Elshire 6 1 1
    Matt Evensen 13 2 2
    Eric Steimer 12 1 1
    Riley Showalter 7 1 1 2
    Josh Tschirgi 12 1 1
    Mark Lewis 12 1 1
    Remene Alston 7 1 1
    Chad Peppars 4 1 1
    Jordan Holmes 8 1 1
    Simi Toeania 2 1 1
    Anthony Gildon 6 1 1
    Chris Barber 0
    Jonathan Stewart 13 1 1
    Michel DiVincenzo 5 1 1
    Team 11 1
    Total 13 435 308 743 93–345 30–214 13–231 45 58 29 10–25 8 3 1

    Special teams

    NamePuntingKickoffs
    No. Yds Avg Long TB FC I20 50+ BlkdNo. Yds Avg TB OB
    Josh Syria 71 2,962 41.7 61 5 11 26 10 0
    Matt Evensen 1 17 17.0 17 0 0 1 0 0 87 5,591 64.3 17 5
    Luke Bellotti 3 120 40.0 0 0
    Morgan Flint 2 96 48.0 0 0
    Jeffery Maehl 1 65 65.0 0 0
    Total 72 2,979 41.4 61 5 11 27 10 0 93 5,872 63.1 17 5
    NamePunt returnsKick returns
    No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long
    Andiel Brown 17 177 10.4 0 64 3 63 21.0 0 26
    Aaron Pflugrad 8 29 3.6 0 9 1 22 22.0 0 22
    Jairus Byrd 7 63 9.0 0 26
    Patrick Chung 2 10 5.0 0 0 9 201 22.3 0 40
    Garren Strong 1 0 0.0 0 0
    Derrick Jones 1 0 0.0 0 0 6 137 22.8 0 41
    Malachi Lewis 0 8 0.0 0 8
    Chris Barber 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    Jonathan Stewart 23 614 26.7 0 64
    Andre Crenshaw 6 122 20.3 0 35
    Walter Thurmond III 3 66 22.0 0 28
    Remene Alston 2 45 22.5 0 28
    Aaron Pflugrad 1 22 22.0 0 22
    Total 36 287 8.0 0 64 50 1,181 23.6 0 64

    References

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