Dixon, UO see the need for speed

QB’s athleticism may be key to beating wounded Michigan

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Sep 4, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (3 Reader comments)

Dennis Dixon may have to beat Michigan with his feet, as he did with two long dashes against Houston last weekend.

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE PHOTO

Defensive issues aside, the Oregon Ducks have to feel pretty confident as they prepare for Saturday’s big game at Michigan at 12:30 p.m.

The Wolverines will be licking their wounds, fresh off their humbling upset at the hands of Appalachian State. But “Appy State” exposed the weakness of the UM defense: It couldn’t handle speed.

Slick quarterback Armanti Edwards, a 1,000-yard rusher and 2,000-yard passer last season, threw for 227 yards and three TDs. He also rushed for 62 yards and one score against the Wolverines.

Enter Dennis Dixon. He shuns the label of “running quarterback,” but after rushing for 141 yards – including 50- and 80-yard dashes – in last week’s 48-27 win over Houston, the 6-4, 205-pound senior could see more action carrying the ball.

“I would welcome more runs, but there are running backs for that,” Dixon says. “I want to continue passing and give our wide receivers opportunities.”

He might prefer to pass, but Dixon can be the most dynamic player on the field, like former Texas QB Vince Young. UO offensive coordinator Chip Kelly appears to realize it more than his predecessor, Gary Crowton.

“It’s just how talented he (Dixon) is,” Kelly says. “He’s a physically gifted player, and he can hurt you with his feet and arm.”

Coach Mike Bellotti says coaches keep telling Dixon to trust his speed. “He has the ability to change the game,” Bellotti says.

Dixon’s big day led the way as the Ducks rushed for 339 yards against Houston. Jeremiah Johnson had 70 yards and two scores, and Jonathan Stewart got 67 yards with mostly short gains. Amazingly, Dixon threw the ball only 15 times, a testament to the Ducks relying on the run and playing with a lead.

“He managed the game well,” Kelly says of Dixon. “Mechanically, his balls were a little low early, but he was going to the right guys at the right times. All correctable. I was really pleased with his decision-making process.”

Dixon completed nine passes, none prettier and more emboldening for his confidence than the 24-yard TD pass to Brian Paysinger, a pinpoint throw between defenders. Dixon had thrown only two TDs with nine interceptions in his final six games last season. Bellotti has said that Dixon’s downfield passing must improve, and the toss to Paysinger was a positive step.

Bellotti made a point of saying the Ducks didn’t show everything in their playbook against the Cougars. Kelly, who instituted a simpler approach and a faster pace with the no-huddle offense, agreed, saying the players were comfortable with only part of the playbook.

“There’s no telling what Chip Kelly has got under his sleeve,” Dixon says.

And Michigan sure showed some vulnerability last week. The Wolverines’ strength is supposed to be their offense, and their defense is said to be reloading, with only five returning players – six defensive players made their first career start last week.

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