The end of an era
Even the oldest and most experienced students attending the
University of Oregon experienced something new ““ a loss.
An era ended last Saturday during Stanford’s 49-42
comeback victory against Oregon.
Stanford’s win snapped Oregon’s 23-game winning
streak at Autzen Stadium. For University of Oregon fourth-years,
this was the first home loss in their college experience.
“This is my second year here and every game I walk out of
Autzen smiling and happy that we won, but today I had that feeling
of walking out after a loss,” Oregon running back Maurice
Morris said.
Oregon’s 24th win at Autzen slipped right through their
fingers after the Ducks gave up 21 unanswered points in the fourth
quarter. The game’s final play began with the ball in
comeback specialist Joey Harrington’s hands, and ended up in
the arms of the Stanford defense.
Can’t catch a break
It’s not Cal’s fault that they’re 0-6. While
the California football team’s winless record has sunk them
to the bottom of the Pac-10, its six losses have come against teams
with a combined 37-3 record. All of them are ranked in the top
25.
Cal’s luck is about to change.
In Cal’s five remaining games, Stanford is the only ranked
opponent. The other four teams on Cal’s schedule have a
combined nine wins to date.
Lost production
Maybe it’s something in the water. Los Angeles
quarterbacks are starting to live up to their potential.
On top of all the publicity UCLA quarterback Cory Paus has
received for his performance versus Cal, USC quarterback Carson
Palmer is on a tear lately, which is something.
He has completed 64 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns
and just two interceptions over his last three games.
No matter how well Palmer plays, though, he just can’t
seem to do for his 2-4 Trojans what the best quarterbacks do:
win.
Players of the Week
Offense: QB ““ Cody Pickett, Washington. Pickett completed
29 of 49 passes for 455 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed
eight times for 18 yards, including the game-winning touchdown with
less than 20 seconds left in the game. Pickett accounted for 473 of
Washington’s 538 total yards.
Defense: S ““ Alfred Williams, Arizona State. Williams had
eight tackles (six unassisted) including one tackle for a loss. He
played a key role in limiting Oregon State to 79 yards on the
ground.
Special teams: PR ““ Keenan Howry, Oregon. Howry returned
five punts for a Pac-10 record 186 yards. Howry notched long runs
of 81 and 69 yards.
Notes compiled by Scott Bair, Daily Bruin Reporter.