Dixon: The lead Duck

~ Oregon quarterback has Fighting Ducks in national championship picture.

EUGENE, Ore. -- After Oregon's victory over Arizona State, Dennis Dixon stood in a tunnel beneath Autzen Stadium. A group of students passed by, chanting "Heisman! Heisman!" at the unlikely candidate.

Dixon smiled.

"It's great," he said. "It's an individual award, but then again I can't credit myself. I take 10 other guys with me. They make it happen."

Oregon's senior quarterback, whose ability and dedication were called into question last season, is certainly having a Heisman-worthy year. He's the heart of a team that has surpassed expectations, and suddenly finds itself in the middle of the national championship picture.

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon, right, celebrates his first quarter rushing touchdown with lineman Josh Tschirgi during first half college football action against Southern California in Eugene, Ore., Oct. 27, 2007. Oregon's senior quarterback, who faced adversity last season, is having a Heisman-worthy year and has been the heart of a team that has surpassed expectations.(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Not surpsingly, his name is among a half-dozen in a muddled race for college football's top individual prize. Other favorites include Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.

"He is doing all the things necessary of a Heisman candidate," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "He's winning football games. He's leading his team."

Drawing comparisons to Vince Young for his ability to run and pass, Dixon has thrown for 2,074 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with only three interceptions. He's also rushed for 549 yards and eight scores.

Dixon's quarterback rating of 163.1 is fourth in the nation, and he's averaging just over 291 yards per game in total offense.

But what doesn't show up in the box score is what sets him apart: the fake handoffs to tailback Jonathan Stewart, the elusive scampers downfield, and even the trick plays, like a feigned Statue of Liberty play against Michigan earlier this season.

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon evaded Arizona State's Dane Guthrie during Saturday's game in Eugene, Ore. (RICK BOWMER ~ Associated Press)

"He's gotten to this point by playing great football in a very exciting, innovative offense that he makes go," Bellotti said. "He's performed on a national stage very well."

Disappointing junior year

Who would have thought all this was possible a year ago?

Dixon started 11 games last season, throwing for 2,143 yards and 12 touchdowns -- with an unsightly 14 interceptions. While he rushed for 442 yards and two TDs, he showed nowhere near the imaginative running ability on display this season.

He was benched the final two games in favor of backup Brady Leaf, the younger brother of former Washington State star Ryan Leaf.

Dixon then raised eyebrows in the offseason by playing baseball in the Atlanta Braves organization, where he struggled in 24 games in the Gulf Coast League and a handful with Class A Danville. Some began to question how much he cared about football.

But Dixon seemed to return this season with renewed enthusiasm. He also hit it off with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who took over when Gary Crowton departed for LSU.

Kelly favors an up-tempo spread-option, perfectly suited to Dixon's abilities.

Oregon, coming off four straight losses to end last season, was picked to finish sixth in the Pac-10, far behind top choice Southern California.

But the Ducks are now ranked No. 3 in both The Associated Press and BCS polls, and with Dixon and Kelly clicking, are piling up the wins. Their lone loss came Sept. 29 at home to California, but the Ducks recovered to win their next four, including consecutive home wins over the Trojans and previously unbeaten Arizona State.