EUGENE (AP) — There’s no time now for the Ducks to lament the loss of Kellen Clemens. It’s the final stretch of the season, and Oregon has three games left. Already bowl eligible, the Ducks are playing for final position in the Pac-10 Conference, trailing only undefeated UCLA and Southern California. They’ll move ahead Saturday against No. 23 California with backup Dennis Dixon at QB. “Kellen has been the glue that has been the igniter for that offense,’’ coach Mike Bellotti said. “But as I have said before, I think there are weapons across the board in that offensive group. We know that Dennis is something special.’’ Clemens fractured his left ankle in the team’s 28-21 win at Arizona on Oct. 22. He required surgery and is out for the rest of his senior season. Clemens had passed for 2,406 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, and was one of seven finalists for the Johnny Unitas award. Known for his scrambling ability, he was ranked fifth nationwide with and average of 329.3 yards in total offense a game. Clemens threw 61 touchdown passes over his career, one short of Danny O’Neil’s school record (1991-94). As a backup, Dixon has completed 15 of 20 passes for 130 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He had a concussion against Arizona, but will be back for the Golden Bears. “He poses a lot of the same issues that Kellen Clemens would pose, the only difference is the experience. There is a huge experience difference in Kellen and him,’’ Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. “Any time there is a new guy in there, there is going to be a transition period. It may not be as much for him because he has played in games. It’s not like it’s his first time behind a center.’’ Dixon will be backed up by Brady Leaf. It remains to be seen how Dixon will fare in Oregon’s spread-option offense, which new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton installed this season and Clemens seemed to grasp intuitively.
Weather could also be a factor for an inexperienced quarterback: The forecast on Saturday calls for the possibility of rain. As a result, the Ducks have been soaking their footballs for practice this week. When Oregon hosts Cal this weekend, both teams will be coming off byes. That means both will be rested and, for the most part, healthy. “I think we’re the healthiest we’ve probably been since fall camp,’’ Bellotti said.
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