UO will have a dual-threat offense

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Aug 28, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Assuming he stays healthy, tailback Jonathan Stewart will be a big cog in Oregon’s offensive machine.

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

EUGENE – Who will be the MVP of the Oregon Ducks?

Electric quarterback Dennis Dixon and his decision-making will be pretty important.

Running back Jonathan Stewart and his potential for 1,500 yards and All-American honors will be really important.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly says that one will not be successful without the other in the UO spread offense, starting with Saturday’s opener against Houston at Autzen Stadium.

“It’s got to be both, and that’s not coachspeak. All the good teams have a great quarterback and running back,” Kelly says. “We can’t be all about the quarterback or running back. The more weapons you have and more balanced you can be, the better.

“Dennis’ best friend is the running game. It’s a nice situation to have. Two guys go hand-in-hand like that.”

The Ducks led the Pac-10 in offense last year, but they also racked up 32 turnovers, plus 13 recovered fumbles. If Oregon cuts down on turnovers, it could be unstoppable offensively.

“It’s just our (fast) tempo,” says Dixon, who had 14 interceptions last season. “It allows us to go 100 percent without thinking. I commend Chip Kelly for that.”

Kelly will be running a lot of no-huddle, and he has simplified the offense. But whereas the Ducks have many fine skill players, success should boil down to Dixon and Stewart.

The 6-4, 205-pound Dixon hasn’t thrown an interception in spring ball or training camp, even after spending the summer playing baseball.

“His decision-making has been fantastic,” Kelly says. “He’s like anybody, he can still polish things; there are some reads where guys are open, and he didn’t go through the first part of the progression. But I like his thought process right now.”

The Ducks have given Dixon every defensive look possible, Kelly adds, including all the looks that led to interceptions.

“He’s seen a lot of different things, and he’s reacted to them,” Kelly says. “Some things are still cloudy, but that’s going to happen. You have to adjust on the run.”

Stewart nearly topped 1,000 yards last season (981), even while battling – mentally and physically – through injuries.

“When it comes to injuries, if any occur, I’ll be more prepared,” Stewart says. “I know what it’s like to get through it mentally and physically.”

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