I was under the impression that Dennis Dixon was as good as gone after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the MLB draft. However, a reader pointed out I was grossly wrong by that assumption and that he'll be starting this fall. Dixon is currently playing for the organization's rookie team in Florida, the first competitive baseball he's played since high school (drafted in the 20th round back then)
The big question, however, is how long he'll be starting in Eugene. Brady Leaf actually took over the job last year because Dixon became so inept as the season wore on. As the summer progresses, Leaf is likely tossing balls with his receivers while Dixon hangs out in Florida playing in the Gulf Coast League.
What could keep Dixon atop the depth chart is his ability to make plays with his legs. He had nearly 100 carries last season, allowing Jonathan Stewart to make the most of every carry he was given. Dixon better hope he shows up sharp come fall practice, otherwise he'll be sorry he was hanging out in Orlando looking up at the Mendoza line. He's currently 5 of 38 in 12 games, all singles. If you don't feel like dividing, that's .132.
As far as the rest of the Oregon offense is concerned, Stewart is probably the best back you haven't heard of in all of college football, (if you have heard of him, then he's one of the best backs you have heard of). Just watch the video. With Jeremiah Johnson backing up Stewart, the Ducks should have a very productive run game (No. 14 in the country last year).
In order for that passing attack to get off the ground, guys like Cameron Colvin have to step up production at the wide receiver position. Colvin came to Eugene as one of the top prospects in the country and has 54 catches in three seasons. He needs to at least match that number this year and take the stress off guys like Jaison Williams and Jordan Kent.
In essence, all of what I've written means the same thing: Oregon is poised for big things on offense, again (last year the Ducks had the No. 9 offense). Will it be another Top 10 year for the O? Probably not, but it should be good. The Ducks lost offensive coordinator Gary Crowton to LSU and who knows how the quarterback situation is going to play out (it better be settled quickly). Chip Kelly, coming over from New Hampshire, will run the offense. It won't take long to see what he's made of.
The defense, on the other hand, needs a slight bump if the Ducks want to be in the BCS mix. There should be some concern considering the unit lost some veteran talent up front and last year's unit had trouble stopping the run. Oregon's September 8 date in Ann Arbor is HUGE. Win that game and the sky's the limit for the Ducks.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Jonathan Stewart
Save the date: Sept. 8 at Michigan
80s theme song: "Who Can It Be Now" - Men at Work (1982) … New coordinator, new faces on defense and we think we know who the quarterback is…perfect song.
25. Boston College; 24. UCLA; 23. Hawaii; 22. Florida State; 21. Georgia; 20. Oklahoma; 19. South Carolina