2007 Oregon Ducks football team

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.

2007 Oregon Ducks football
Sun Bowl champion
Sun Bowl, W 56–21 vs. South Florida
ConferencePacific-10 Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 24
APNo. 23
Record9–4 (5–4 Pac-10)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorChip Kelly (1st season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorNick Aliotti (11th season)
Base defense4–3
Captains
Home stadiumAutzen Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2006
2008 →
2007 Pacific-10 Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 3 USC + 72  112 
No. 16 Arizona State + 72  103 
No. 25 Oregon State 63  94 
No. 23 Oregon 54  94 
UCLA 54  67 
Arizona 45  57 
California 36  76 
Washington State 36  57 
Stanford 36  48 
Washington 27  49 
  • + – Conference co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

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]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeight40Commit date
Kenny Rowe
DE
Long Beach, CAPolytechnic HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)218 lb (99 kg)4.7Jan 21, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 79
Drew Davis
WR
Denver, COMontbello HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)208 lb (94 kg)4.5Dec 14, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Malachi Lewis
ATH
Oxnard, CARio Mesa HS6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)213 lb (97 kg)4.5Jan 28, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Myles Wade
DT
Portland, ORCentral Catholic HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)314 lb (142 kg)5.0Jun 30, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Darrion Weems
OT
Woodland Hills, CAWilliam Howard Taft HS6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)275 lb (125 kg)5.1Jan 21, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Todd Doxey
S
San Diego, CAHoover Senior HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)178 lb (81 kg)4.6Dec 6, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Terrance Pritchett
LB
Sacramento, CAGrant Union HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)205 lb (93 kg)4.6Oct 29, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Simi Fili
DT
Salt Lake City, UTCottonwood HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)327 lb (148 kg)5.4Jan 6, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Carson York
OT
Coeur d'Alene, IDLake City HS6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)276 lb (125 kg)5.2May 30, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 74
Terence Scott
WR
Santa Clarita, CACollege of the Canyons6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)175 lb (79 kg)4.4Jan 21, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: –
Charlie Carmichael
OG
Sherman Oaks, CANotre Dame HS6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)295 lb (134 kg)5.1Jun 7, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Anthony Gildon
CB
Westlake Village, CAOaks Christian School6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)183 lb (83 kg)4.5Jun 21, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Will Tukuafu
DE
Mesa, AZMesa CC6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)270 lb (120 kg)4.8Dec 5, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Casey Matthews
LB
Agoura Hills, CAOaks Christian School6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)220 lb (100 kg)4.7Jul 29, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Dominic Glover
DE
Mission Viejo, CAMission Viejo HS6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)238 lb (108 kg)4.9Feb 1, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Talmadge Jackson
CB
Temecula, CAChaparral HS5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)183 lb (83 kg)4.5Oct 1, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 74
Brandon Hanna
MLB
Coeur d'Alene, IDLake City HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)220 lb (100 kg)4.6Aug 2, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 73
Charles Neal
FB
Anaheim, CAEsperanza HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)210 lb (95 kg)4.7Jul 7, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 69
David Paulson
TE
Bothell, WABothell HS6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)228 lb (103 kg)4.7Aug 24, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 88
Tonio Celotto
DT
Piedmont, CAPiedmont HS6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)245 lb (111 kg)4.6Jun 25, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Jeffrey Maehl
CB
Paradise, CAParadise Senior HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)175 lb (79 kg)4.7May 4, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Eddie Pleasant
S
La Palma, CAKennedy HS5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)205 lb (93 kg)4.6Jun 14, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Rishard Matthews
WR
Santa Ana, CASaddleback HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)183 lb (83 kg)4.5Jan 14, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Terrell Turner
SLB
Los Angeles, CACrenshaw Senior HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)225 lb (102 kg)4.7Jan 21, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Mark Asper
OL
Idaho Falls, IDBonneville HS6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)278 lb (126 kg)5.1Nov 9, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
John Laidet
MLB
Bonanza, ORBonanza School6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)223 lb (101 kg)4.7Jan 14, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Daniel Padilla
K
Corona, CACorona Senior HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)200 lb (91 kg)NADec 18, 2006 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Aaron Pflugrad
WR
Eugene, ORSheldon HS5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)162 lb (73 kg)4.6Jan 21, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
William Wallace
CB
West Covina, CAWest Covina HS5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)175 lb (79 kg)4.4Feb 1, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 9   Rivals: 11  ESPN: 23
  • ‡ 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:

  • "Oregon 2007 Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  • "2007 Oregon Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  • "2007 Player Commitments – Oregon". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  • "2007 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 112:30 pmHouston*OSNW 48–2757,662
September 812:30 pmat Michigan*ABCW 39–7109,733
September 153:30 pmFresno State*No. 19
  • Autzen Stadium
  • Eugene, OR
OSNW 52–2158,525
September 227:00 pmat StanfordNo. 13W 55–3135,019
September 2912:30 pmNo. 6 CaliforniaNo. 11
ABCL 24–3159,273
October 1312:30 pmWashington State No. 9
  • Autzen Stadium
  • Eugene, OR
W 53–758,749
October 204:30 pmat WashingtonNo. 7FSNW 55–3466,481
October 2712:00 pmNo. 9 USCNo. 5
  • Autzen Stadium
  • Eugene, OR
FSNW 24–1759,277
November 33:45 pmNo. 6 Arizona StateNo. 4
  • Autzen Stadium
  • Eugene, OR (College GameDay)
ESPNW 35–2359,379
November 156:00 pmat ArizonaNo. 2ESPNL 24–3450,387
November 2412:30 pmat UCLANo. 9ABCL 0–1672,434
December 11:30 pmOregon StateNo. 18
ESPN2L 31–38 2OT59,050
December 3111:00 amvs. No. 21 South Florida*CBSW 56–2149,867
  • *Non-conference game
  • Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Pacific time

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

Game summaries

Houston

1234Total
Houston71010027
Oregon14621748
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 Video on YouTube.[13]

Michigan

1234Total
Oregon11217039
Michigan70007
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

1234Total
Fresno St680721
Oregon212101052
  • Date: September 15
  • Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
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

1234Total
Oregon213211055
Stanford3280031
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

1234Total
California0372131
Oregon377724
  • Date: September 29
  • Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
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

1234Total
Washington St00707
Oregon172310353
  • Date: October 13
  • Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
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

1234Total
Oregon17772455
Washington71014334
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

#9 USC Trojans (6–1) at #5 Oregon Ducks (6–1)
Period1234Total
USC037717
Oregon737724

at Autzen StadiumEugene, Oregon

  • Date: October 27
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • 55 °F (13 °C) • Wind NE 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h; 2.6 kn)
  • Game attendance: 59,277
  • Referee: Jack Folliard
  • Scoring Summary Final
Game information

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

1234Total
Arizona St3103723
Oregon14714035
  • Date: November 3
  • Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
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] 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

1234Total
Oregon1133724
Arizona10210334
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

1234Total
Oregon00000
UCLA333716
  • Date: November 24
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

1234OT2OTTotal
Oregon St147073738
Oregon714703031
  • Date: December 1
  • Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
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

1234Total
South Florida0140721
Oregon810281056
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

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP19131114910553291723
Coaches2113121387543291824
HarrisNot released101310755321019Not released
BCSNot released105532917Not released

Personnel

Roster

(as of 11/18/2007)

Center

  • 51 Jeff Kendall – Junior – Colorado Springs, Colo.

Cornerbacks

  • 6 Walter Thurmond III – Sophomore – West Covina, Calif.
  • 7 Chad Peppars – Freshman – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 8 Brian Butterfield – Freshman – Sherwood, Ore.
  • 14 Javes Lewis – Freshman – Tustin, Calif.
  • 17 Willie Glasper – Sophomore – Pittsburg, Calif.
  • 18 Anthony Gildon – Freshman – Simi Valley, Calif.
  • 32 Jairus Byrd – Sophomore – Clayton, Mo.
  • 33 Chris Barber – Freshman – Hood River, Ore.
  • 37 Talmadge Jackson III – Freshman – Temecula, Calif.

Defensive backs

  • 21 William Taylor – Freshman – Trabuco Canyon, Calif.
  • 31 Justin Kam – Sophomore – Honolulu, Hawaii

Defensive ends

  • 39 Will Tukuafu – Sophomore – Salt Lake City, Utah
  • 49 Nick Reed – Junior – Trabuco Canyon, Calif.
  • 88 Brandon Bair – Freshman – St. Anthony, Idaho
  • 89 Michel DiVincenzo – Sophomore – Porter Ranch, Calif.
  • 95 Tonio Celotto – Freshman – Oakland, Calif.
  • 98 Dominic Glover – Freshman – Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Defensive tackles

  • 41 Matt Simms – Freshman – Caramel Valley, Calif.
  • 43 Michael Speed – Junior – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 50 Simi Toeaina – Sophomore – Afono, Amer. Samoa
  • 65 Josh Pope – Junior – Selma, Ore.
  • 90 David Faaeteete – Senior – Medford, Ore.
  • 91 Ra'shon Harris – Junior – Pittsburgh, Calif.
  • 94 Hayden Piper – Freshman – Concord, Calif.
  • 96 Mike Bellagamba – Junior – Los Altos, Calif.
  • 97 Cole Linehan – Junior – Banks, Ore.
  • 99 Jeremy Gibbs – Senior – Stillwater, Okla.

Free safety

  • 1 Marvin Johnson – Freshman – Compton, Calif.
  • 9 Ryan DePalo – Senior – Beaverton, Ore.
  • 20 Matthew Harper – Senior – Union City, Calif.
  • 23 Jeffrey Maehl – Freshman – Paradise, Calif.
  • 27 Titus Jackson – Sophomore – Pomona, Calif.

Halfbacks

  • 46 Matt Larkin – Junior – Boise, Idaho
  • 47 Jason Turner – Junior – La Crescenta, Calif.
 

Linebackers

  • 25 Kevin Garrett – Sophomore – Carson, Calif.
  • 34 A.J. Tuitele – Senior – Wilmington, Calif.
  • 40 John Bacon* – Junior – Golden, Colo.
  • 44 Brandon Hanna – Freshman – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
  • 45 Terrell Turner – Freshman – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 48 Kyle Young – Freshman – Santa Rosa, Calif.
  • 52 Terrance Pritchett – Freshman – Sacramento, Calif.
  • 53 Erik Elshire – Junior – Bend, Ore.
  • 55 Casey Matthews – Freshman – Agoura Hills, Calif.
  • 56 Blake Thompson – Freshman – Cottage Grove, Ore.
  • 87 Josh Thomas-Dotson – Senior – Florence, Ore.

Long snappers

  • 59 Jeff King – Junior – Long Beach, Calif.
  • 84 Eric Steimer – Senior – Bend, Ore.

Offensive guards

  • 61 Josh Tschirgi – Senior – Vancouver, Wash.
  • 63 Jon Teague – Junior – Portland, Ore.
  • 66 Pat So'oalo – Senior – Kaneohe, Hawaii
  • 67 Sean Cullen – Senior – Janesville, Wis.

Offensive linemen

  • 54 Jordan Holmes – Freshman – Yuba City, Calif.
  • 64 Max Forer – Freshman – Santa Monica, Calif.
  • 68 C.E. Kaiser – Freshman – Veradale, Wash.
  • 69 Bo Thran – Freshman – Gresham, Ore.
  • 70 Ramsen Golpashin – Freshman –
  • 71 Mark Lewis – Junior – Arroyo Grande, Calif.
  • 74 Darrion Weems – Freshman – Winnetka, Calif.
  • 79 Mark Asper – Freshman – Idaho Falls, Idaho

Offensive tackles

  • 57 Fenuki Tupou – Junior – Elverta, Calif.
  • 60 Max Unger – Junior – Honaunau, Hawai'i
  • 75 Geoff Schwartz – Senior – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 76 Charlie Carmichael – Freshman – Sherman Oaks, Calif.
  • 78 Jacob Hucko – Junior – Buena Park, Calif.

Punters

  • 26 Tim Taylor – Sophomore – Corvallis, Ore.
  • 80 Josh Syria – Junior – Wenatchee, Wash.

Place kickers

  • 23 Morgan Flint – Sophomore – Bend, Ore.
  • 41 Daniel Padilla – Freshman – Corona, Calif.
  • 85 Matt Evensen – Junior – Portland, Ore.
  • 92 Justin Dougherty – Junior – Ridgefield, Wash.
 

Quarterbacks

  • 2 Cade Cooper – Junior – Lehi, Utah
  • 7 Nate Costa* – Sophomore – Hilmar, Calif.
  • 10 Dennis Dixon* – Senior – San Leandro, Calif.
  • 11 Justin Roper – Freshman – Buford, Ga.
  • 12 Cody Kempt – Freshman – Beaverton, Ore.
  • 16 Brady Leaf – Senior – Great Falls, Mont.
  • 17 Sam Doman – Sophomore – Canby, Ore.

Running backs

  • 5 Remene Alston Jr. – Freshman – Greensboro, N.C.
  • 22 Andre Crenshaw – Sophomore – Lancaster, Calif.
  • 24 Jeremiah Johnson* – Junior – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 26 Matachi Lewis – Freshman – Oxnard, Calif.
  • 27 Andiel Brown – Senior – Portland, Ore.
  • 28 Jonathan Stewart – Junior – Lacey, Wash.
  • 33 Charles Neal – Freshman – Yorba Linda, Calif.

Rovers

  • 2 T.J. Ward – Sophomore – Antioch, Calif.
  • 5 Caleb Tommasini – Junior – Winston, Ore.
  • 15 Patrick Chung – Junior – Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
  • 29 Todd Doxey – Freshman – San Diego, Calif

Strong Side Linebackers

  • 13 Jerome Boyd – Junior – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 30 Kwame Agyeman – Senior – Itasca, Ill.
  • 35 Spencer Paysinger – Freshman – Los Angeles, Calif.
  • 38 Eddie Pleasant – Freshman – La Palma, Calif.
  • 54 Riley Showalter – Sophomore – Portland, Ore.

Tight ends

  • 39 Chris DiVincenzo – Freshman – Porter Ranch, Calif.
  • 48 John Laidet – Freshman – Bonanza, Ore.
  • 81 Ryan Keeling – Junior – Springfield, Ore.
  • 83 Ed Dickson – Sophomore – Bellflower, Calif.

Wide receivers

  • 3 Cameron Colvin* – Senior – Pittsburg, Calif.
  • 4 Jaison Williams – Junior – Inglewood, Calif.
  • 6 Derrick Jones – Sophomore – Gardena, Calif.
  • 8 Terence Scott – Junior – Knoxville, Tenn.
  • 14 Elvis Akpla – Freshman – Portland, Ore.
  • 18 Jamere Holland – Freshman – Pacoima, Calif.
  • 19 Brian Paysinger* – Senior – Long Beach, Calif.
  • 21 Garren Strong – Senior – San Jose, Calif.
  • 82 Drew Davis – Freshman – Denver, Colo.
  • 87 Daniel Barkley – Freshman – Sacramento, Calif.
  • 89 Aaron Pflugrad – Freshman – Eugene, Ore.
  • 91 Rory Cavaille – Sophomore – Shelton, Wash.
  • 93 Zack McGinnis – Junior – Roseburg, Ore.
  • 94 Michael Mackie – Freshman – Glen Rock, New Jersey
  • 96 Kyle Anderson – Freshman – Fort Collins, Colo.
  • 96 Terrell Robinson – Junior – Irvine, Calif.
  • 98 Zack Test – Freshman – Woodside, Calif.
* Injured

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.[43] 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.[44]
  • 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.[45]
  • 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.[22]

Statistics

Team

TeamOpp
Scoring496307
  Points per game38.223.6
First Downs321260
  Rushing17497
  Passing133134
  Penalty1429
Total offense6,0784,966
  Avg per play5.95.1
TeamOpp
  Avg per game467.5382.0
Fumbles lost29–1418–13
Penalties – yards79–71583–696
  Avg per game55.053.5
Punts – yards83–3,431
  Avg per Punt41.441.3
Time of possession/game28:3731:23
TeamOpp
3rd down conversions89/20767/205
4th down conversions6/149/21
Touchdowns Scored6236
Field Goals – attempts19–2418–24
PAT – attempts59–5933–34
Attendance411,915334,054
Neutral Attendance49,867
  Games/Avg per game7/58,8455/66,811

Scores by quarter

1234OT2OTTotal
Oregon1511251328530496
Opponents60117516937307

Offense

Rushing

NameGPAttGainLossNetAvgTDLongAvg/G
Jonathan Stewart132801,798761,7226.21188132.5
Dennis Dixon101057411585835.698058.3
Andre Crenshaw1382445304155.143931.9
Jeremiah Johnson654360163446.454257.3
Derrick Jones934904916.30255.4
Remene Alston7256624421.71106.0
Kwame Agyeman1314004040.00403.1
Jeffrey Maehl1333403411.30182.6
Brian Paysinger43250258.31146.2
Cody Kempt383110212.60177.0
Ed Dickson132100105.00100.8
Daniel Barkley218088.0084.0
Pat So'oalo1307070.0000.5
Geoff Schwartz1313033.0030.2
Andiel Brown1122021.0020.2
Brady Leaf1118646220.10140.2
Aaron Pflugrad912022.0020.2
Justin Roper415515010.11130.2
Team1111038−38−3.500−3.5
Total136153,7364643,2725.33288251.7

Passing

NameGPEfficCmp-Att-IntPctYdsTDLngAvg/G
Dennis Dixon10161.2172–254–467.72,1362085213.6
Justin Roper4125.532–61–252.534263385.5
Brady Leaf1173.934–72–247.227603025.1
Cody Kempt324.56–26–223.15201517.3
Total13132.1244–413–1059.12,8062685215.8

Receiving

NameGPNo.YdsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Jaison Williams135584415.385264.9
Ed Dickson134345310.534634.8
Garren Strong13272499.231719.2
Johnathan Stewart13221456.622111.2
Cameron Colvin62024812.427141.3
Derrick Jones91919910.526122.1
Aaron Pflugrad9171689.912318.7
Brian Paysinger4916518.328541.2
Jeffrey Maehl13911813.11339.1
Jeremiah Johnson679814.013516.3
Andre Crenshaw134174.2071.3
Drew Davis1033511.71193.5
Malachi Lewis133268.70182.0
Rory Cavaille112178.5091.5
Terence Scott5242.0050.8
Ryan Keeling511010.00102.0
Matt Larkin1211010.00100.8
Total132442,80611.52685215.8

Defense

NameGPTacklesSacksPass defenseFumblesBlkd
kick
Saf
SoloAstTotalTFL-ydsNo-YdsInt-YdsBUPDQBHRcv-YdsFF
Patrick Chung135342955.5–142–05712
Walter Thurmond III136023837.0–132–4416181–25
Matthew Harper133840782.0–192.0–193–1166911
Jerome Boyd1335235810.0–343.0–211–0231–01
Jairus Byrd133418524.0–131.0–64–224712–0
Nick Reed1321244519.5–10411.0–931
Kwame Agyeman132618446.0–141.0–7222
John Bacon91824421.5–21–4912
Will Tukuafu13199286.5–172.5–111143–02
A.J. Tuitele8129211.0–411
Jeremy Gibbs131010204.0–203.0–19118
Willie Glasper13119201.0–31–0
Kevin Garrett1257121.0–43
T.J. Ward13143171–0
David Faaeteete13124168.0–292.0–1111111
Cole Linehan1376132.0–61.0–41
Casey Matthews1197164.0–51.0–1
Tonio Celotto1165113.0–9111
Ra'Shon Harris116281.0–14
Jeffrey Maehl1386141.0–1
Marvin Johnson12268
Talmadge Jackson III13426
Kenny Rowe134154.0–283.0–221
Ryan DePalo8134
Brandon Bair133141.0–521–0
Spencer Paysinger131122
Michael Speed10112
Jeremiah Johnson6314
Matt Larkin1211
Andre Crenshaw132131
Ed Dickson132131
Erik Elshire611
Matt Evensen1322
Eric Steimer1211
Riley Showalter7112
Josh Tschirgi1211
Mark Lewis1211
Remene Alston711
Chad Peppars411
Jordan Holmes811
Simi Toeania211
Anthony Gildon611
Chris Barber0
Jonathan Stewart1311
Michel DiVincenzo511
Team111
Total1343530874393–34530–21413–23145582910–25831

Special teams

NamePuntingKickoffs
No.YdsAvgLongTBFCI2050+BlkdNo.YdsAvgTBOB
Josh Syria712,96241.76151126100
Matt Evensen11717.01700100875,59164.3175
Luke Bellotti312040.000
Morgan Flint29648.000
Jeffery Maehl16565.000
Total722,97941.46151127100935,87263.1175
NamePunt returnsKick returns
No.YdsAvgTDLongNo.YdsAvgTDLong
Andiel Brown1717710.406436321.0026
Aaron Pflugrad8293.60912222.0022
Jairus Byrd7639.0026
Patrick Chung2105.000920122.3040
Garren Strong100.000
Derrick Jones100.000613722.8041
Malachi Lewis080.008
Chris Barber00000000
Jonathan Stewart2361426.7064
Andre Crenshaw612220.3035
Walter Thurmond III36622.0028
Remene Alston24522.5028
Aaron Pflugrad12222.0022
Total362878.0064501,18123.6064

References