By Bud Withers
The phenomenon of the bye week is a much-discussed topic, never more than by those around the Oregon and Cal programs recently. Today, the Ducks and Bears play in an ABC-televised 12:30 p.m. game in a rare situation: Each is coming off a bye, and each is thanking the heavens for it. The Ducks lost senior quarterback Kellen Clemens in the Arizona victory two weeks ago, and have thus had an extra week to break in sophomore Dennis Dixon. A 6-foot-4, 192-pound Bay Area product, Dixon has completed 15 of 20 passes with two interceptions, but the starting role represents a completely different gig. "Dennis has done a very good job of moving the team, being a weapon on offense," said Oregon coach Mike Bellotti. "I don't see that changing. He exudes confidence and a winning attitude, and I think is ready to go." On the other hand, the Bears (6-2) might have been the most beat-up team in the league after their last game, a harrowing escape against Washington State. They should get back starting receivers DeSean Jackson and Robert Jordan, plus tackle Ryan O'Callaghan. But defensive tackle Brandon Mebane is iffy. "Three teams have had a bye before they played us this year," said Cal coach Jeff Tedford, also referring to Arizona and Oregon State. "When our bye came, so did the other team's." Says Bellotti, "The bye was great for us. We're probably the healthiest we've been since fall camp." At 7-1, the Ducks will find themselves in the discussion for the Fiesta Bowl if they win out. They've shown improvement, especially on defense, with 15 sacks over the past four games. They've also surrendered only two sacks in three games. Bellotti cites better health of end Devan Long and linebacker Anthony Trucks, tackle Haloti Ngata's "re-emergence" and the development of redshirt freshman strong safety Patrick Chung (5-11, 200), who "just continues to improve."
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