Oregon's Quarterback SItuation Is No Repeat of 2007

When Oregon lost Dennis Dixon to his season ending injury late in the 2007 season, it really ended Oregon's chances for a national title.  Due to a lack of depth at quarterback, it even ended a shot at winning another regular season game as the Ducks went 0-3 in games in which Dixon didn't start and finish.

The reason was simple. 

As stated, Oregon had little quality depth at quarterback behind Dixon and those who were there did not fit the spread option attack Kelley had introduced.  Remember Nate Costa was injured and unavailable at the time.

Brady Leaf did have his moments in 2005 and 2006 but did nothing when playing against Arizona and prior to getting injured against UCLA.  Oregon had no one to come in and really take Dixon's place.

So hear we are two years later and now Masoli is injured, but don't panic and assume its 2007 all over again.  First of all, we don't even know if Masoli will miss a single game.  From what has (and hasn't) been said, it seems likely to me that he will miss the UCLA game, but I see no reason he will not return after the bye to face Washington.

Even if Masoli (God forbid) does miss extended time, we now have depth at quarterback.  And these quarterbacks can actually run Chip Kelly's offense.  Nate Costa is finally healthy and has shown over the last two weeks he is capable.  I hope IF he does start against UCLA it is only for one game, but if called upon he can run the offense efficiently.

If Costa does struggle or injures his knee again, Darron Thomas is capable.  I don't want to burn his redshirt this year unless absolutely necessary. If he actually would get to see action or even start, it would be worth it and even very necessary.  He was the hero last year against Boise State when injuries forced him into the game and he threw 3 touchdown passes and nearly brought the Ducks from behind.

He is a much like Dennis Dixon in size and style.  He is tall and fast with a strong arm and is probably the most talented quarterback on the roster.  If he can keep his redshirt this year he would be the backup next year and take over in 2011.  This gives him the chance to have a greater career than any quarterback since Joey Harrington....but I'm getting ahead of myself.

So let's wait and hear what the diagnosis is on Masoli.  I suspect he will return soon, maybe even start against UCLA.  But if not we have to capable quarterbacks to lead us whether it be for one game or the rest of the season.