Cougars know what Ducks will throw, or run, at them

  • Associated Press
  • Saturday, October 13, 2007 12:14am
  • Sports

EUGENE, Ore. — Washington State coach Bill Doba ticked off Oregon’s strengths: Quarterback Dennis Dixon, running backs Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson, receivers Jaison Williams and Cameron Colvin, and the offensive line is good, too.

Throw in the fact that the Ducks (4-1, 1-1) run a fast-paced spread-option and it’s no wonder they have the top-ranked offense in the Pac-10, averaging 529 yards.

“If you’re going one-on-one on Dixon, and he shakes somebody and you’re locked up in man coverage, you know it’s going to be a big play,” Doba said. “You have to pressure some, in passing situations, but the added threat of the option makes it more difficult.”

Dixon is ranked fourth nationally in passing efficiency (169.0) and is a dangerous runner, averaging 309 yards in total offense a game. The only QB in the Pac-10 with more is Washington State’s Alex Brink, averaging 316.

The Ducks have had extra time to get healthy and prepare for Washington State. Oregon was off last week after a hard-fought 31-24 loss to California at Autzen Stadium.

“It seems like we’re starting all over, like we’re starting from day one. Everyone is real loose (in practice), everyone is going all-out,” Dixon said.

The Cougars (2-4, 0-3) could be without one of their top offensive players, receiver Brandon Gibson, when they visit Eugene today at 12:30 p.m..

Gibson leads the Pac-10 with 6.5 catches and 94.5 yards per game. He suffered a heel bruise in the Cougars’ 23-20 loss to Arizona State last weekend.

The Cougars nearly upset the then-No. 18 Sun Devils before a late field goal gave ASU the victory. It was the third straight loss for the Cougars, but they held Arizona State to just 296 total yards.

“You’re never happy with a loss, and people can say they’re never happy,” Doba said. “But, I’m going to tell you, at least you came off the field and you felt respectable. I know that’s not the proper thing to say for a coach.”

The game will be a homecoming for Brink, who grew up in Eugene and led Sheldon High to a state championship. It will be his first on-field appearance at Autzen Stadium with the Cougars.

Brink has completed 160 of 247 passes for 1,828 yards, with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He already holds the school career records for pass attempts and pass completions. Last week he set the record for passing yards, with 8,923.

He is just four touchdowns short of passing Jason Gesser’s career record of 70.

“He’s just an all-around playmaker. It starts with him on offense. Their team revolves around him,” Oregon cornerback Jairus Byrd said. “We gotta be ready for a great game because they’re a team that’s never out of it. He’s just a great quarterback.”

While Brink has a chance to make a statement against Oregon, which didn’t recruit him heavily out of high school, he’s more concerned this week about putting the Cougars back on track.

Washington State is at the bottom of the Pac-10 standings and must win five of the remaining six games to hope of making a bowl game. The Cougars haven’t been to a bowl for the past three seasons.

“We need to win a football game bad,” Brink said. “That’s first and foremost.”

The Cougars upset then-No. 16 Oregon 34-23 last year in Pullman. The last time they visited Autzen Stadium, in 2003, they won 55-16.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs in districts

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.