Oregon Offense Scores Five Touchdowns in Spring's First Major Scrimmage
Oregon quarterbacks Jeremiah Masoli and Justin Roper combined to complete 15 of 26 passes for 198 yards and four touchdowns as the Ducks’ offense enjoyed a productive, yet inconsistent, afternoon Saturday as first-year head coach Chip Kelly sent his squad through its first major scrimmage of the spring in Autzen Stadium.
Masoli, last year’s starting signal caller, opened the scrimmage that lasted close to 90 minutes by leading the first-team offense on a 70-yard scoring drive against the first-team defenders, capped by a 10-yard touchdown toss to Aaron Pflugrad. Keying the drive was a 51-yard run by Masoli, who finished the day completing eight of 13 passes for 103 yards and three scores through the air.
The junior-to-be also ran for 58 yards on six carries.
But Kelly was quick to pass praise onto Roper, who matched Masoli’s scoring drive with a 70-TD march of his own on the next series, finishing with a 32-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Jamere Holland.
Holland led all receivers with five catches for 60 yards and the one score, with Pflugrad making the most of his two receptions by adding a 35-yard touchdown catch from Masoli later in the scrimmage.
Roper came back later to complete a three-play, 50-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run of his own, aided by a 25-yard catch from newcomer Blake Cantu. Roper also was productive on the ground, finishing the day with 33 yards on six carries to complement his seven completions in 13 tries for 95 yards through the air. However he was victimized by the day’s only interception when Tigard redshirt freshman Scott Grady picked off an errant pass and returned it for close to 60 yards before falling to the turf.
Next to Masoli, LeGarrett Blount led all rushers with 10 carries for 38 yards. Still rounding into shape after missing all off-season workouts due to a suspension, Blount gained 23 of his yards on the his final four carries of the day. Andre Crenshaw added 30 yards on nine totes.
The defense was led by defensive end Mike DiVincenzo, who posted two tackles for loss among his team-high five stops, while five other players each posted four tackles. Junior college transfers Terrance Montgomery and Bryson Littlejohn each left their mark as Montgomery led all defenders with three tackles for loss from his defensive tackle post, while Littlejohn recorded the game’s only quarterback sack.
The placement portion of the Ducks' kicking game appeared to be ahead of the remaining phases of the team's special teams as four kickers were perfect on five PATs and seven field goals. Justin Dougherty converted field goals of 46, 27 and 33 yards while Morgan Flint was successful on a 33-yard three-point try as well as a trio of points after touchdowns.
Oregon will resume its spring workouts Monday morning, with off-season practices concluding with the Spring Game on Saturday, May 2, in Autzen Stadium.
