Dixon's Injury Proves His Worth to Ducks

Playing only a quarter in a game to prove himself, Dennis Dixon couldn't hold on to what has proven the hardest to retain this year—the number 2 spot in the top 25.

Oregon started off strong against Arizona, going for a forth and three from the thirty nine. Dixon, playing with a sore left knee, took it the whole distance for six.  Then while on the side-line, his teammates convert for two.

The next drive seemed promising.  Dixon compled a good percentage, and Jonathan Stewart broke a few runs for some good gains.  Then on a first and goal, Dixon's pass was intercepted and returned—a huge break for the Arizona defense, who needed a big stop before Oregon could get on an early roll.

Arizona ended up taking it the distance during the drive, closing the gap to 11-7, while Willie Tuitama looked more like the Heisman candidate. 

During the next drive, Dixon looked like he completely tore whatever ligaments he has left in his knee. In came Ryan Leafs lil' brother, Brady, who watched Arizona pile on the points from his interception, which was returned by Antoine Cason for six.  Then another TD before the half, also by Cason on a punt return.

At the half, the score is 31-17 in favor of Arizona.

The third quater begins, but there is no relief for Brady.  He and the rest of the Ducks fail to put anything but three points on the board.  Leaf was still off-track with the rest of the "O" receivers, who seemed to be ahead or behind every pass he threw.  So the third quarter, which was quite boring, ends with the score barely changed: 31-17.

Into the fourth, with Oregon still down by 14.  The Ducks put together a drive to put six on the board, with a few key plays by Leaf, and more good runs by Stewart, to push into the endzone and close the gap to seven. 

Arizona seemed ready to take down another BCS contender team at this point.   With the ball in Oregon's hands and a little more than two minutes left, the main man Brady Leaf throws a pick, of course—Nate Ness' second of the game. 

Arizona knelt the ball until the game's end, pushing Oregon down the polls to probably number 9 or 10.

My argument is this: Dennis Dixon is the most deserving player for the Heisman.  He showed the world how important he is to his team.  Not that he deserves the award due to his injury, but rather for the fact that no other player in the league has proven how important he is to his team—and also the lone star of the Pac-10.

DIXON FOR HEISMAN!