If the Oregon Ducks (8-1, 5-1 Pac-10) are able to get by Arizona this Thursday they will further strengthen their bid for a national championship game. They are already close to securing a Rose Bowl bid, which would be a huge accomplishment in itself, but with this “topsy turvey” season playing out the way it has, they are now credible contenders for the big game.

Heisman trophy candidate Dennis Dixon has been on a mission all season, putting up great numbers game after game. Dixon’s quarterback rating is an amazing 163.1, among the tops in the nation. He has passed for 20 touchdowns with just three interceptions and already over 2000 yards passing. The 6’4 200-pounder is also running more than he ever has. In 104 carries this season he is averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He hasn’t fumbled once, and has found the end zone on foot an additional eight times. Junior running back Jonathan Stewart is already being called a Heisman trophy prospect for next season, and for good reason. He has ran for 1142 yards so far, including six of his nine games over 100-yards. Stewart has scored 11 times, ten of them on the ground. Oregon’s lone loss came to California, in California, when the Bears were among the top teams in the nation.

Arizona is 3-4 in the conference and 4-6 overall. While their record doesn’t indicate it, they Wildcats have been on a bit of a roll lately, winning two in a row against Washington in Washington, and UCLA, at home. There is no better time then now for Arizona to try their luck at one of the best teams in the country. The Wildcats are led by a very good quarterback that is getting somewhat overlooked because of their record. Willie Tutiama, a junior, has passed for over 3100 yards with 24 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, numbers comparable with Dixon. Against Washington, Tutiama passed for 510 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception. It would be safe to say this he is a dark horse to win next years Heisman. What Tuitama lacks, and what Dixon has, is a steady balance of firepower surrounding him. His main wide receiver threat, Mike Thomas has had a good season. Thomas has a team high 67 catches with 9 touchdowns with an average of 12 yards per catch. Next year will be the year to look for this team to reach the upper echelon of the Pac-10.

As I said, if Arizona has a chance, it’s now. They are playing Oregon at home, and Oregon is coming off a bye, which could mean the Ducks may have a little rust. The Ducks could also be looking ahead to bigger games down the season. I don’t think this will happen, but it could be a closer game then expected. I like a score of about 38-28.

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