Dennis Dixon, Jr. and Sr.

Fans who’ve watched the Oregon Ducks play football this season knew our National Championship hopes were over when quarterback Dennis Dixon’s left knee gave out, untackled, in the first quarter of Thursday night’s game with Arizona. Back-up quarterback Brady Leaf has played occasionally in a few games at Autzen Stadium, and we’ve seen the offense’s timing is never as fluid. Observing the difference is a lesson in training, practice, and teamwork, as well as recognizing inherent skills. And Brady is a good quarterback, Dennis Dixon is a great quarterback. Great teams with great quarterbacks win national titles.

So it wasn’t to be. I watched the heartbreak as Dennis sat on the sidelines, his head down, his shoulders shaking as he too knew his team’s dream of the championship, and his own of the Heisman trophy, were probably finished.

And then the millions watching on TV saw Dennis Dixon, Senior, being escorted down to the sidelines. He stood by his son. His face was calm, demeanor solid. He didn’t seem to be saying much. Just there, present.

Five minutes later, Dennis Dixon Jr.’s head was up. A true smile on his face. His eyes turned towards the game again, ready to coach, encourage, cheer.

After the game, he made the statement above, quoted on ESPN.

The Ducks will still play in the Rose Bowl, if we win out in our last two games at UCLA and home in the Civil War, and if USC or Arizona beats Arizona State. It could happen. Brady Leaf has over a week to practice full-time with the offense, and USC is a much better team than their stats indicate.

Regardless, I’m proud of our Oregon Ducks. And proud of the way Dennis Dixon, Junior and Senior, handled the disappointment. Football is like life. Let’s play our hearts out every day, for we never know when we’re going to get the last play.