Game Day 9-3-10

University of oregon

Vs.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Oregon Daily emerald

dailyemerald.com

Game Day FRIday, september 3, 2010

Vol. 112, Issue 11

Thomas takes the helm of Oregon’s offense PAGE 3

IVAR VONG | ph oto ed i to r

Game preview

Oregon notes

New mexico notes

Despite wildly disparate 2009

Winners selected in heated position

Young Lobos squad relying on

seasons, Ducks and Lobos give

battles at kicker, linebacker, cornerback;

linebacker Carmen Messina to

sophomores starting quarterback

offensive linemen Kaiser, Asper

anchor their defense while trying to

positions in season opener

switch roles on right side

rebound from 1-11 2009 season

PAGE 2

PAGE 6

PAGE 6

Âť Check out dailyemerald.com for real-time updates from the game

2 Oregon Daily Emerald Friday, September 3, 2010

CATCHING UP WITH »

BRANDON WILLIAMS

Oregon Daily Emerald 1222 E. 13th Ave., #300, Eugene, OR 97403 541.346.5511 NEWSROOM Editor in chief x325 Nora Simon Sports editor x322 Lucas Clark Sports reporters Robert Husseman Patrick Malee Copy chief x323 Kenny Ocker Design editor x326 Emily Papp Photo and Web editor x327 Ivar Vong Photographer Aaron Marineau

The Oregon Daily Emerald tracked down junior-collegetransfer tight end Brandon Williams after practice this week to discuss things outside the Oregon playbook — from the recruiting process to the kitchen.

Business

Publisher x317 Kellee Weinhold Manager x302 Kathy Carbone Delivery Richard Griscom, Brian Leeson, Chris Massaad, Kyle Scott, Molly Simas

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The Oregon Daily Emerald is published by the Oregon Daily Emerald Publishing Co., Inc. at the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. The Emerald operates independently of the University with offices in Suite 300 of the Erb Memorial Union. The Emerald is private property. © 2010

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Oregon Daily Emerald: When did you first get to Eugene?

Brandon Williams: I came out on an official visit for the Arizona State game, and I moved here officially Jan. 2.

ODE: What was the recruiting process like coming out of junior college?

BW: It was very different. Out of high school I didn’t take too many visits or anything, had a few offers and stuff like that, and this was my only visit, so it was pretty exciting.

ODE: Was Coach Kelly pretty involved in the process?

BW: Somewhat, yeah. Before I took my official, I didn’t talk to him too much. I talked to like Coach Frost and Coach Osborne and stuff like that. Then after I came on my visit, he came and made a trip out and stuff like that and talked with my mom.

ODE: What are your first impressions of Eugene?

BW: It’s great. I love it. I like how

I va r Vo n g | PHoto editor

Oregon junior college transfer Brandon Williams has worked his way into the No. 2 tight end position since arriving in Eugene in January. His powerful build and soft hands offer yet another explosive threat to an already-potent offense.

everybody’s real laid back and show a lot of hospitality to the students and athletes.

ODE: So what have some of the guys told you about playing in Autzen Stadium?

BW: I’ve been hearing a lot of great things. You know, it’s pretty amazing. Great experience that I’m looking forward to.

ODE: You close with any of the guys on the team in particular?

BW: I’m pretty much close with all the guys. We’re all like a big family, you know.

We hang out a lot.

ODE: You live with any of those guys?

BW: Yeah, I live with Ryan Clanton.

ODE: How’s that?

BW: Oh it’s pretty good. We’re both from the same situation coming from a junior college. It was pretty good because we got to go through the same things together.

ODE: Who does the cooking between you two?

BW: Me, of course!

ODE: Oh yeah, what’s your specialty?

BW: I’d have to say chicken alfredo.

— Luc a s C l ark

Game preview

Ducks, Lobos face off to open 2010

We serve locally brewed Wandering Goat coffee, mimosas, Oakshire & Ninkasi brews

Oregon trying for two straight Pac-10 championships; New Mexico seeks multiple wins LUC AS CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR

– Corner of Lawrence since 1979 –

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Nine months after their first Rose Bowl appearance in 15 years, the No. 11 Oregon Ducks look ready to begin defending their Pac-10 Conference title. First up is the New Mexico Lobos.

Saturday’s matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, which sit at two very different ends of the college T u r n to preview | Pag e 8

Game forecast Forecast: 76 degrees. Sunny with clear skies.

At A Glance Who: No. 11 Oregon Ducks vs.

New Mexico Lobos What: The 2010 season opener When: 12:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Where: Autzen Stadium

The No. 11 Oregon Ducks host Mountain West Conference opponent New Mexico in the 2010 season opener. Redshirt sophomore running back Kenjon Barner will shoulder the majority of the carries with last season’s leading rusher, LaMichael James, sidelined from action as he serves a one-game suspension. Sophomore quarterback Darron Thomas will make his first collegiate start for the Ducks.

Friday, September 3, 2010 Oregon Daily Emerald 3

ROSTER

T u r n to Thomas | Pag e 6

Pac-10 Preview

No. 24 Beavers go to Texas to face No. 6 Horned Frogs Only game with two ranked teams in new Cowboys Stadium Patrick Male e Sports R eporter

Arizona at Toledo (5 p.m. Friday on ESPN) The 2010 Wildcats season begins in Ohio as they face off with Toledo. Junior quarterback Nick Foles will pick up where he left off last season, taking the reins for his first full season as a starter.

The returners are ready for a fresh start after the Wildcats embarrassment in last December’s Holiday Bowl. That game will be best remembered as the first shutout in Holiday Bowl history, with Nebraska winning 33-0. Luckily

for Foles and the rest of nine returning offensive starters, Toledo is no defensive juggernaut.

The Rockets struggled on defense last year, giving up 37.7 points per game en route to a 5-7 record.

Sophomore Austin Dantin earned the starting quarterback job for the Rockets after starting three games last season, throwing for four touchdowns and 962 yards.

Toledo led the Mid-American Conference in total offense last season.

Key Stat: Toledo has yet to record a win in four total appearances against Pac-10 teams.

UCLA at Kansas State (12:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC) Rick Neuheisel and the UCLA Bruins may be in a position to

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surprise this season. After a rocky start, UCLA won four of its last five games in 2009, including a 30-21 win in the EagleBank Bowl over Temple. Though just five starters return on defense, the unit should be strong under the leadership of junior safety Rahim Moore and senior linebacker Akeem Ayers. Both have been listed as players to watch, both for national awards and the NFL Draft. The starting quarterback situation is less certain, with Neuheisel set to choose between sophomores Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut just before game time. For Kansas State, senior Carson Coffman has earned the starting job at quarterback. Returning in the backfield is senior Daniel Thomas, a star

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After practice on Friday, Aug. 27, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich called them in.

Darron Thomas and Nate Costa entered the office separately, with the two coaches outlining their ultimate decision.

“We were honest. That’s what we’ve tried to do all through this, just keep those guys abreast of where we are,” said Helfrich, who doubles as the Ducks’ quarterbacks coach. “As we approach a game week, we need to hone things in.”

Thomas, a redshirt sophomore from Houston, and Costa, a fifth-year senior from Hilmar, Calif., were informed of their fate.

Kelly then left Eugene for a function in Portland; the rest of the team would find out with the first snap of Saturday’s practice. So too would the media, whom Kelly led to believe that Saturday would mark the announcement.

about how you and your teammates handle it. They both did great, and the team ended up doing really well.”

So what swung the coaches in favor of Thomas over Costa?

“One of the things with both those guys, it was a body of work through the spring, through preseason camp,” Kelly said.

“We sat down with the staff, had a long discussion about it, and we just feel for where we are offensively and what we’re going to do that he’s the best choice.

“You only can pick one. If I could pick two, I would’ve picked two. And it’s a tough thing because I care so much about Nate. I know what Nate means to this program, but you can’t play two quarterbacks.”

Thomas said he received “a lot of support from the guys, just saying ‘get ready, let’s go, step it on.’”

“I’m just thankful to be here and to be in this position,” he said. “But it’s just the beginning.

I haven’t did nothing yet; this is just one fall camp. Now it’s on to games and leading the team through games.”

And what of Costa? The fifth-year senior fought back

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“We felt it was very important to inform those two guys first, then come out on the field and practice,” Helfrich said.

At 5:34 p.m. that evening, the athletic department’s official Twitter account for publicly released information linked to a press release, saying simply, “Thomas Named Ducks Quarterback.”

Word spread like wildfire through local media channels, the general public and the football players themselves.

“Somebody texted me and told me,” said running back LaMichael James, whose first chance at working with Thomas will come September 11 at Tennessee. “One of my friends told me, ‘Hey, Darron’s the quarterback.’ I was like, ‘Really?’”

Thomas did his repetitions with the first team in Saturday’s practice to confirm beyond all possible doubt. Costa worked with the second team.

The practice was Oregon’s first of the “game week,” with scout team members donning red jerseys and lining up in expected formations.

“Darron had a good practice, and Nate had a good practice,” Helfrich said. “That tells a lot

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Redshirt sophomore wrested role from senior Nate Costa

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Quarterback contest ends with Thomas named starter

4 Oregon Daily Emerald Friday, September 3, 2010

Players to Watch KENJON BARNER (24)

ba r n e r p h oto by I va r Vo n g | P h oto EDITOR m e s s i na p h oto c o urt e s y o f J U N F U H AN | Da i ly LO B O

One of the few bright spots in an disappointing Rose Bowl last season was a play by running back Kenjon Barner, who shredded Ohio State’s defense for 227 all-purpose yards.

Now, as LaMichael James serves his one-game suspension, Barner will finally have the opportunity to spin his wheels in the starting lineup.

Looming on the other side, however, will be standout linebacker Carmen Messina. The junior led the nation with 162 tackles last year and will likely be keyed on Barner for much of the game. The anchor of an otherwise-shaky defense, Messina will be relied upon heavily to keep an explosive Oregon running game at bay.

As the Buckeyes learned last January, this is easier said than done. And yet, Messina has another favorable asset on his side. A native of Addison, Ill., he led Addison Trail High School with more than 3,000 career yards as the team’s running back. Standing 6’2” and weighing in at 236 pounds, he also runs the 40-yard dash at a respectable 4.76 clip.

Though surely not as speedy as Barner, Messina is no deadweight, and few players are more dangerous than a power linebacker with the instincts of a running back.

The matchup between Barner and Messina should be fascinating, and could have a substantial impact upon the outcome of the game.

RUNNING BACK

CARMEN MESSINA (58) LINEBACKER

starting lineups NEW MEXICO DEFENSE DE: Johnathan Rainey DT: Peter Gardner DT: Ugo Uzodinma DE: Jaymar Latchison OLB: Spencer Merritt MLB: Carmen Messina OLB: Joe Stoner CB: Anthony Hooks SS: Bubba Forrest SS: Freddy Young CB: DeShawn Mills

SPECIAL TEAMS PK: James Aho KO: Garrett Hentrup P: Ben Skaer KR: Bryant Williams PR: Ty Kirk LS: Evan Jacobsen HLD: Ben Skaer

oregon OFFENSE WR: Chris Hernandez LT: Byron Bell LG: Karlin Givens C: Dillon Farrell RG: Mike Cannon RT: Maurice Mears TE: Lucas Reed WR: Bryant Williams WR: Ty Kirk QB: B.R. Holbrook RB: Demond Dennis

DEFENSE DE: Terrell Turner DT: Brandon Bair DT: Zac Clark DE: Kenny Rowe OLB: Josh Kaddu MLB: Casey Matthews OLB: Spencer Paysinger CB: Anthony Gildon FS: John Boyett ROV: Eddie Pleasant CB: Talmadge Jackson III

SPECIAL TEAMS PK: Eric Solis KO: Eric Solis P: Jackson Rice KR: Kenjon Barner PR: Kenjon Barner LS: Drew Howell HLD: Nate Costa

OFFENSE WR: D.J. Davis LT: Bo Thran LG: Carson York C: Jordan Holmes RG: C.E. Kaiser RT: Mark Asper TE: David Paulson WR: Lavasier Tuinei WR: Jeff Maehl QB: Darron Thomas RB: Kenjon Barner

SACRAMENTO STATE AT STANFORD

UC DAVIS AT CAL

PORTLAND STATE AT ARIZONA STATE

OREGON STATE AT TCU

OKLAHOMA STATE AT WASHINGTON STATE

washington AT BYU

UCLA AT KANSAS STATE

ARIZONA AT TOLedo

Emerald sports writers predict the winners of this week’s games

USC AT HAWAII

Week 1

NEW MEXICO AT OREGON

Pick the PaC

LUCAS CLARK SPorts Editor

Patrick Malee SPorts reporter ROBERT HUSSEMAN SPorts reporter

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35.9

Points per game allowed by the New Mexico defense in 2009, ranking last in the Mountain West Conference and 113th in the nation

36.1

Points per game scored by the Oregon offense, ranking No. 1 in the Pac-10

41

Sacks allowed by the Lobo offense in 2009, most in the Mountain West Conference

36

Sacks recorded by Oregon defense in 2009, most in the Pac-10

6.0

Yards per carry averaged in 2009 by running back Kenjon Barner, who will start in place of LaMichael James

0

Number of times Oregon and New Mexico have faced off

2

Margin of victory in New Mexico’s sole 2009 victory, against Colorado State

162

Number of tackles recorded by junior Lobo linebacker Carmen Messina last season, leading the nation

2010 uo schedule

2010 UNM schedule

september

september

4 11 18 25

4 11 18 25

vs. New Mexico, 12:30 p.m. at Tennessee, 4 p.m. vs. Portland State, 3:15 p.m. at Arizona State, 7:30 p.m.

at Oregon, 12:30 p.m. vs. Texas Tech, 5 p.m. vs. Utah, 5 p.m. at UNLV, 7 p.m.

October

October

2 9 21 30

2 9 23 30

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November

6 13 26

6 13 20 27

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Been to

2009 Oregon Returning leaders

yet?

Pacific NW fare With hisPaNic aNd asiaN iNflueNces

Rushing

ATT

yds

Avg

TD

LONG

L. James

230

1546

6.7

14

60

K. Barner

61

378

6.0

3

48

passing

cmp

att

PCT

YDS

TD

N. Costa

20

33

60.6

197

1

receiving cat

YDS

AVG

TD

LONG

J. Maehl

53

696

13.1

6

73

L. Tuinei

24

217

9.0

-

37

D.J. Davis

23

233

10.1

2

23

Defensive

Tkl

ast

INT

TFL/YDS sacks

J. Boyett

62

28

3

2.0-6

-

S. Paysinger

45

36

-

8.0-16

1.5-3

C. Matthews

40

41

1

4.5-25

3.0-22

J. Lewis

54

24

2

4.5-20

2.0-12

E. Pleasant

37

17

1

8.0-29

4.5-20

2009 New mexico Returning leaders

Rushing

ATT

Yds

aVG

TD

Long

D. Dennis

78

454

5.5

3

62

J. Wright

50

320

5.8

2

84

passing

CMP

ATT

PCT

YDS

TD

B.R. Holbrook

19

34

55.9

170

1

receiving CAT

YDS

AVG

TD

LONG

T. Kirk

36

427

11.9

2

59

V. James

35

398

11.4

3

45

D. Jones

35

369

10.5

3

31

Defensive

TKL

AST

INT

TFL/YDS sacks

C. Messina

80

82

1

8.0-50

3.0-32

F. Solomon

53

32

1

0.5-1

-

T. Hardaway

37

38

-

6.5-15

-

F. Beca

37

29

1

1.0-2

-

J. Rainey

30

22

-

15.5-117

9.5-93

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New mexico notes

Oregon notes

Downtrodden New Mexico Solis, Kaddu, Gildon win recovering from dismal year starting position battles Lobos had one win, negative-235 point differential in 2009

Rob Beard expected to regain kicking role after suspension ends

LUCAS CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR

As the New Mexico Lobos prepare to enter Autzen Stadium for the first time in program history this Saturday, second-year head coach Mike Locksley will have his hands full with an eager Duck faithful itching for a new year in Oregon football.

The Lobos finished their 2009 campaign with a 1-11 record overall, while their lone win, a 29-27 defeat of Colorado State, didn’t surface until late November.

Starting the 2010 season, New Mexico features an influx of new blood throughout the program, with 31 underclassmen on the 55-man depth chart. The program has a 2-21 all-time record facing nationally ranked opponents on the road.

“They’re a very athletic team,” Oregon linebacker Spencer Paysinger said. “They have a big offensive line; you know, some of them are returning.

“They have a fresh quarterback coming in, so hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”

That quarterback, sophomore B.R. Holbrook, will be making his first career start for New Mexico after seeing limited action during his redshirt freshman year in 2009. Similar to the Ducks’ quarterback competition between Darron Thomas and Nate Costa, Holbrook was not named the starter until the conclusion of fall camp.

Holbrook will head a Lobo attack in its second year as a no-huddle spread offense, which Locksley implemented when he arrived in 2009. The new-look offense showed mixed results, however, as New Mexico was outscored 431-196 on the season.

They averaged just 16.3 points per game, while giving up more than 35.

“Anything can happen, you know what I mean,” Oregon junior rover Eddie Pleasant said.

“We’ve got to go out and look at it as any game. If it was Ohio State, if it was USC, they college Jesseplay Davis 04.03.09

Rob ert H u s s e man Sports R eporter

C o urt e s y o f K e rr A da m s | Dai ly Lobo

New Mexico sophomore quarterback B.R. Holbrook will make his first collegiate start against the Ducks on Saturday. Appearing in five games last season, Holbrook completed 19 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown.

football just like we do — I’m sure they’re going to be ready too.”

Defensively, the Lobos will show a 4-3 front, with one of the nation’s top linebackers anchoring the unit. Junior Carmen Messina — named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list for the nation’s best defensive player — returns from a stellar sophomore campaign. In 2009, Messina paced New Mexico as the leading tackler in the country, accumulating 162 total stops, 68 more than his secondleading teammate, Clint McPeek, who tallied 94 takedowns.

Messina, an honorable mention All-American selection, averaged 13.5 tackles per game in 2009, including a stint of eight straight games in which he recorded just fewer than 15 tackles per outing. The 6-foot-2, 236-pounder has the speed (4.76 in the 40-yard dash) and athletic ability (33.5-inch vertical jump) to contain some of the nation’s top offensive weapons.

This offseason, the Lobos were able to ink one of the highest rated recruits the program has ever seen, tying down four-star defensive lineman prospect Calvin Smith. Smith, a two-time first team 6A all-state selection in Florida, turned down

a slew of scholarship offers from the nation’s traditional powers to play for New Mexico.

During the recruiting process, Locksley understood Smith would be the headliner of his first recruiting class at New Mexico, and he felt he couldn’t have picked a better young man for the job.

“I said, ‘Calvin, how are you going to justify coming to New Mexico to all the negative people?’ He said, ‘Coach, I’m a leader, not a follower,’” Locksley said during his national signing day press conference. “To me, those are the type of kids that you’re going to win with. It speaks volumes about his character, his family and the way he’s been brought up.”

Smith was a U.S. Army All-American Bowl nominee after posting 50 tackles, eight sacks, and scoring three defensive touchdowns during his senior season. He will likely see consistent action on the interior alongside junior defensive end Johnathan Rainey. Rainey was one of the most productive defensive linemen in the conference last season, recording 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. lc l ark@dai lye m e r ald.com

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Because senior placekicker Rob Beard is suspended for No. 11 Oregon’s season opener against New Mexico, the Ducks have named a freshman to the starting spot.

“I talked to Coach (Tom) Osborne after practice (on Friday),” true freshman kicker Alejandro Maldonado said.

“He said that he decided that he wants to redshirt me.”

That leaves the job of kickoffs, extra points and field goals to walk-on freshman Eric Solis. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder from Sherman Oaks, Calif., is the only left-footed kicker on the team.

Maldonado, who verbally committed to Washington before signing with the Ducks, will back up Solis along with punter Jackson Rice in case of emergency.

Beard’s suspension stems from a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of physical harassment, after a Jan. 24 street fight that left him in critical condition. The sophomore from Fullerton, Calif., would have to undergo facial reconstructive surgery.

Former Oregon kicker Mike Bowlin was also involved in the fight and pled guilty to one count of harassment; he left the

Thomas From Pag e 3

physically and mentally from three devastating knee injuries. His leadership and presence on the team, many figured, would be valuable for a starting quarterback.

“Nate took it the way I would anticipate Nate to take it. Nate’s awesome,” Kelly said. “I’m sure he’s disappointed, and it’s gotta be tough when you’re told you’re not going to be the guy right now.”

Costa admitted to reporters after Saturday’s practice that he was “a little bit disappointed.”

“I feel pretty confident in Darron’s abilities to lead this team, and I’m going to follow

J ac k H u n t e r | Photog r aph er

Oregon offensive lineman Mark Asper blocks Arizona State defensive tackle Saia Falahola on Nov. 14, 2009. Asper has flipped positions with Duck lineman C.E. Kaiser and will be the starting right tackle this Saturday.

team in February.

Cornerback Junior Anthony Gildon, who started three games for the Ducks last season, was tabbed to start opposite senior cornerback Talmadge Jackson III against the Lobos.

“I don’t think there ever was a decision for us,” Oregon secondary coach John Neal said. “Anthony’s been the starter since the Rose Bowl.”

Sophomore Scott Grady and senior Chad Peppars were listed as the second string, with redshirt freshman Avery Patterson and sophomore him,” Costa said. “He had a better fall camp, when you look at it. That’s why he won the competition.”

The oft-acknowledged elephant on the field is the prospect of quarterback injury.

Costa, who said he expects quite a bit of playing time, knows this all too well. If not for a knee injury suffered in 2008 fall camp, Duck fans would have never known about Jeremiah Masoli, or deeply missed him.

There is, of course, more to the depth chart than what lies on the surface. Oregon’s No. 3 quarterback this fall will be Bryan Bennett, a true freshman from Encino, Calif., who wowed spectators and earned praise from coaches for his fall camp performance.

Cliff Harris the third-string cornerbacks. Neal made no commitment to the depth chart, saying he plans to play all his cornerbacks as often as he can.

“The other two are twos also.

It’s not a two-three position,” he said. “It’s a two-slash-two position until I know who’s going to step up in a game situation.”

Outside Linebacker In a position battle that often resulted in highlight reels for spectators, Josh Kaddu held off redshirt freshman Boseko T u r n to Oregon | Pag e 8

“I feel like it went pretty good. It’s just a lot of hard work and, you know, picking up this playbook to kind of be comfortable with what we’re doing,” Bennett said. “That’s all going to come with time and I’m getting to feel a little more comfortable as the days come.”

Bennett, looking at times like the best quarterback on the Ducks’ roster, has a better feel for the college game after watching an intense, month-long competition for the starting spot.

“You know, I thought either one of those guys were capable of getting it done,” he said. “I’m excited for Darron, hoping he goes in there and does well, which I think he will.” rhu s s e m an @dai ly e m e r a ld.co m

Friday, September 3, 2010 Oregon Daily Emerald 7

pac-10 From Pag e 3

running back who gathered 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009.

Key Stat: The Bruins have won their last five season-opening games.

UC Davis at California (1 p.m. Saturday) After ending the 2009 season with two disappointing losses, the Golden Bears return to action at home against the Aggies. Perennial Heisman candidate Jahvid Best may be gone, but head coach Jeff Tedford appears to have found an able replacement in junior Shane Vereen. Replacing an injured Best in the team’s final four games in 2009, the explosive tailback averaged 141.5 yards per game and scored six touchdowns. With the backfield all to himself this year, the sky appears to be the limit for Vereen. Also returning for his senior year is quarterback Kevin Riley. UC Davis, meanwhile, is coming off a 6-5 season under veteran head coach Bob Biggs.

Key Stat: Of California’s eight wins against UC Davis, six have been shutouts.

(3:30 p.m. Saturday) Though unranked to start the season, many have picked the Cardinal as a dark horse candidate for the Pac-10 title. Star running back Toby Gerhart may now be playing with Brett Favre in the NFL, but redshirt sophomore quarterback Andrew Luck and

Washington State at Oklahoma State (4 p.m. Saturday) After a 1-11 2009 season that could only be described as dismal, the Cougars look for a fresh start in 2010. The road will not be easy, however, and Oklahoma State is certainly no pushover. Cougars sophomore Jeff Tuel will start at quarterback, looking to improve upon an uneven performance in 2009. The likely starter at running back will be senior James Montgomery, who returns from an injury-plagued 2009. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State begins what may be a transition year after the departures of quarterback Zac Robinson and wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Stepping in at quarterback will be 26-year-old junior Brandon

Weeden, who will be expected to lead an offense that averaged 28.4 points per game last year.

Key Stat: The Cougars were outscored by an average of 24.3 points in 2009.

Washington at Brigham Young (4 p.m. Saturday) All eyes will be on senior quarterback Jake Locker, whom many analysts consider the top overall NFL Draft prospect in the class of 2011. In 2009, under the tutelage of first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, Locker threw for 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also rushing for 388 yards and seven scores. The Huskies compiled a 5-7 season, which included a stunning upset of then-No. 3 USC and a 42-10 whipping of then-No. 19 California to cap it off. On the Cougars’ side, junior Riley Nelson and freshman Jake Heaps will lead a two-headed attack at quarterback, replacing standout Max Hall.

Key Stat: Locker scored three times in his last meeting with BYU in 2008, a 28-27 loss.

No. 24 Oregon State at No. 6 TCU (4:45 p.m. Saturday on ESPN) In an otherwise mundane opening weekend for the Pac-10, this matchup stands out. Beavers head coach Mike Riley made the bold decision to accept a week one face-off with a powerhouse Horned Frogs squad, a choice that could make or break Oregon State’s season. Without former quarterback Sean Canfield, both Jacquizz and James Rodgers will be relied upon more heavily than ever.

Running back Jacquizz’s star was

officially born in 2009, when he rushed for 1,440 yards, totaled 78 receptions for another 522 yards, and scored 22 total touchdowns.

Wide receiver James, meanwhile, led the Beavers with 91 receptions in 2009 while also returning kickoffs and punts. Promising sophomore Ryan Katz takes over at quarterback, while dominant tackle Steven Paea anchors the defense. Still, the Horned Frogs present a significant challenge with a defense that held opponents to just 12.8 points last season.

Key Stat: The Beavers find themselves in the preseason AP top 25 for the first time since 2001.

TM

®

Portland State at Arizona State (7 p.m. Saturday) A disappointing 2-7 Pac-10 season now in its rearview mirror, Arizona State looks for a fresh start against Portland State. Michigan transfer Steven Threet earned the starting job at quarterback, beating out junior Samson Szakacsy and sophomore Brock Osweiler. Sophomore linebacker Vontaze Burfict, meanwhile, looks to improve upon an impressive freshman season during which he earned Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. Portland State enters 2010 looking for redemption as well, having finished 2009 with a 2-9 record. The defense is in particular need for improvement, having given up 33.8 points per game in 2009.

Key Stat: Though Arizona State and Portland State have never met, Sun Devil head coach Dennis Erickson is undefeated (4-0) against the Vikings. pm ale e@dai lye m e r ald.co m

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Sacramento State at Stanford

head coach Jim Harbaugh remain a source of genuine optimism around Palo Alto. After passing for 2,575 yards last season and throwing just four interceptions, Luck has even made it into the Heisman conversation, while Harbaugh is considered one of the better coaches in the nation.

With Gerhart gone, look for Luck to take the reins of what should be an upstart team in the conference.

Meanwhile, senior McLeod Bethel-Thompson will start at quarterback for the Hornets. A UCLA transfer, Bethel-Thompson will certainly face a challenge in his first ever season-opening start.

Key Stat: Junior wide receiver Chris Owusu has averaged 29.3 yards returning kicks for his career, best in Stanford history.

Franklin Blvd. turns into South A St., Spfld

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employment

rentals/real estate

205 Help Wanted

235 Duplexes for Rent

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Environmental Education work-study position at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, 7 miles from UO. Assist with school field trip program. 12-15 hours. Flexible. 541-747-1504, mtpisgfr@efn. org, www.MountPisgahArboretum. org. Send cover & resume.

3 bedroom duplex with 1 and 1/2 baths. Living area, dining, kitchen and lots of storage. Enclosed garage. Large lot on bus line and connects to LCC and EMX to U of O. Invest, don’t flush your rent money ! Great tax advantages and 1/2 the duplex pays 1/2 the mortgage ! A no brainer ! Call 541-510-1966 for details

ADULT CHEWERS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH Daily tobacco chewers & snuff users can receive $100 for two visits to Oregon Research Institute in Eugene. This is not a quitting study. The Novel Smokeless Tobacco Study is funded by the National Cancer Institute. Call Julia at (541) 434-1545 or 1(800) 903 5449.

Administrative Assistant Now hiring for fall term. Friendly and professional demeanor. Computer savvy – spreadsheet skills a plus.

Comfortable with basic math and able to check own work. Two positions - must be available to work a 2.5 hour shift either morning or afternoon every Mon-Fri when school is in session. Must be a UO student, work study preferred. Pick up application at 300 EMU or download online at dailyemerald.com. EOE Committed to a culturally diverse workplace.

events 312 Community Events

If you’re moving, we want to make changing your utility service quick and easy. That’s why the Eugene Water & Electric Board provides our “Start/Stop Service” link that’s available online.

It’s a fast and free way to begin or end your EWEB electric and water service. Just click and go. Plus, you can get energysaving tips for renters. It’s all at eweb.org.

Amazon Community Center has a new pre-school called Mr Jim’s Exploratorium. Starting September 13 our pre-school will focus on art and nature to develop the whole child.

Come see our beautiful mural and meet artist/educator Jim Robinson.

Open house Thursday September 9 5-7pm at 2700 Hilyard, Bldg B. 541682-5373.

rentals/real estate 210 Houses for Rent 1942 Emerald. 4+ bedrooms, 2 bath.

Near Campus. 4 off-street parking spaces. $1,800. No pets. 915-3101.

220 Apartments Unfurnished Studio near Eugene Library. 1057 Charnelton. Newly remodeled, parking, no pets. $415/mo. w/s/g paid.

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253 Boarding Houses 2 large bedrooms available in the Odd Fellows Lodge, located in Oakridge, Oregon. Looking for respectul, eco-green folks wanting to contribute to the well-being of the place. On bus line to Eugene. $350.00 per month, pet’s negoitable.

Please contact, Debora at 541-7825825 or tyke@efn.org

services 105 Typing/Resume EXPERT THESIS/DISSERTATION Editor, Grad School approved since 1974! Papers, resumes.

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8 Oregon Daily Emerald Friday, September 3, 2010

Oregon From Pag e 6

Lokombo for the final starting linebacker spot. Kaddu, a junior from Vacaville, Calif., who recorded 21 tackles in seven games before a foot injury ended his season, joins Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger in the middle of the defense.

“Kaddu has a little more experience. He was playing really

well last year until he went down with that injury,” linebackers coach Don Pellum said. “I think Bo was probably one of the most impressive guys on our defense through fall camp. I think that’s a very healthy, good competition for us.”

Senior Bryson Littlejohn, initially considered for the outside linebacker slot, will instead back up Matthews at middle linebacker. Sophomore Michael Clay is listed as the backup

to Paysinger.

“I think our depth is pretty good,” Pellum said. “I don’t think we have a whole lot of guys, but I think the guys we have know the scheme, know the system.”

Offensive Line The Oregon offensive line returns all five of its starters (63 of 65 possible starts) and many of its backups, but offensive line coach Steve Greatwood made an adjustment with the hope of

improved results.

Senior C.E. Kaiser and junior Mark Asper will start at right guard and right tackle, respectively, against New Mexico. Kaiser started 12 of 13 games at right tackle in 2009, while Asper started 12 of 13 games at right guard.

Kaiser is seen as the more physically explosive blocker in the running game, while the 6-foot-7 Asper’s mobility is important in pass protection. rhusseman@dailyemer ald.com

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preview From Pag e 2

football spectrum.

Oregon, coming off another 10-win season, returns 17 starters from last year’s Rose Bowl team.

“One thing I love about this football team is the depth we have right now,” second-year Oregon head coach Chip Kelly said.

New Mexico is looking to build off its 1-11 finish a year ago, but the Lobos are projected to finish last in the Mountain West Conference this season.

Both Oregon and New Mexico endured the challenge of naming a new starting quarterback this offseason, with a pair of sophomores getting the nod.

For Oregon, the lanky Darron Thomas will get his first starting bid at the offensive helm, while B.R. Holbrook receives his first starting job for the Lobos.

“You know, I think it’s a good thing for our team,” junior tight end David Paulson said. “You know, the coaches decided (Thomas) was the best fit for our team for us to be successful, and I trust our coaches made the right decision. I think he’ll do great.”

In addition to Thomas, a trio of other Duck players captured their first collegiate starts: junior defensive end Terrell Turner, senior defensive tackle Zac Clark and freshman kicker Eric Solis. It’s expected, however, for sophomore Rob Beard, currently serving a one-game suspension alongside star running back LaMichael James, to reclaim the starting kicker spot when the Ducks travel to Tennessee next week.

In place of James, the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year last season, fellow redshirt sophomore Kenjon Barner will get his first opportunity as the Ducks’ No. 1 running back.

On Monday, Barner was named to the Paul Hornung Award watch list for the most versatile player in college football. His mark of 1,553 all-purpose yards ranked eighth in the conference last season,

while also setting the Oregon single-season record for kickoff return yardage with 1,020.

New Mexico gave up 5,024 yards of total offense last fall, putting even more pressure on the Lobo offense. The unit did feature the nation’s leading tackler in junior Carmen Messina with 162, but the Lobos experienced relatively little success on that side of the ball in 2009.

For both teams, however, Saturday couldn’t come soon enough.

“I’m tired of going against our offense,” senior linebacker Spenser Paysinger said. “Our offense is one of the most complicated in the country. So when we can finally start toning it down and start focusing on New Mexico, it’s a good day.”

With James out of the lineup and true freshman Bryan Bennett surpassing redshirt freshman Daryle Hawkins as the Ducks’ No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, New Mexico will look to contain Hawkins as a triple threat.

“Daryle’s going to play everyone,” Kelly said. “He’s learning how to play running back — he’s still learning how to play receiver — but he’s a dynamic guy MIKE with the ball LOCKSLEY in his hands ... UNM HEAD COACH we need to get him on the field because of what he can do for us.”

Hawkins has seen time with the first and second teams in practice and will likely spend some time at the slot receiver position on game day. He still considers himself a quarterback at heart, but he admitted he’s willing to do whatever he can to help the team.

“Yeah, I mean, to get on the field it’s great experience.” Hawkins said.

“I’m happy. It’s my redshirt freshman year, it’s been a whole year off since I really got to be on the field in a live situation, so I’m excited.” lc l ark@dai lye m e r a ld.co m