Oregon Looks to Send Wolverines to 0-2

I-AA Appalachian State shocked the world last Saturday by beating the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium, 34-32.

Duck running back Jonathan Stewart Photo courtesy: goducks.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Oregon travels to Michigan for its lone non-conference road contest of 2007 on Saturday.

Kickoff at Michigan Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. EDT (12:30 p.m. PDT) and can be seen live on ABC.

THE SERIES

The Ducks and Wolverines have met four times previously, the last of which resulted in UO’s only victory in the series, 31-27, at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 20, 2003. U-M has won all three meetings in Ann Arbor by shutout, most recently posting a 24-0 blanking in 1973.

QUICK HITS

• After the Sept. 1 win over Houston, the Ducks improved to 11-2 all-time in season openers under Mike Bellotti.

• In first-year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s first game on the UO staff, Oregon totaled 339 yards rushing, 473 yards of total offense and six offensive touchdowns.

• Despite a pedestrian 67 yards on the ground, JR RB Jonathan Stewart still managed to lead the team in All Purpose yardage, racking up 170 yards thanks to a combined 103 on three kickoff returns (34.3/per KR).

• Lost in the high-scoring 48-27 affair with Houston was the fact that Oregon shutout the Cougars in the fourth quarter.

• The Ducks scored four rushing touchdowns in their season opener for a second-straight year led by a pair from JR RB Jeremiah Johnson.

• SR PK Matt Evensen converted both of Oregon’s field goal attempts vs. Houston, the second of which - a 45-yarder - was the longest by a UO kicker in more than five games dating to 2006 (Paul Martinez, 48 yards vs. Portland State, Oct. 8).

NON-CONFERENCE SUCCESS

The Ducks have amassed a 26-1 record in non-conference games in Autzen Stadium during Mike Bellotti’s head coaching tenure. Their lone home loss during that span was dealt by Indiana (30-24) to open the 2004 season. Overall, Oregon has accumulated a 35-5 non-league slate in Bellotti’s previous 12 years at the helm.

THE STREAK GOES ON

JR C Max Unger and JR ROV Patrick Chung extended their respective starting streaks to 26 games following the season opener vs. Houston on Sept. 1. The duo has started every game played by the Ducks since the beginning of 2005. Unger’s start at center vs. the Cougars was his first at that position after moving over from tackle.

BUSTIN’ LOOSE

SR QB Dennis Dixon’s 50-yard run in the first quarter of the Sept. 1 game vs. Houston was the longest rush of his career until an 80-yard TD scamper in the 3rd. The 80-yard carry was the longest by a UO player since Ricky Whittle had an 80-yarder of his own vs. Cal on Nov. 7, 1992.

RUNNING IT UP

The Ducks surpassed the 300-yard rushing mark as a team vs. Houston, totaling 339. It was Oregon’s third game of 300-plus since the start of 2006 and highest total since setting the school record of 446 yards at Washington State Oct. 27, 2001.

PASSING ON AIR ATTACK

Oregon’s prowess on the ground against Houston kept the Ducks from airing it out very much. UO attempted 15 pass attempts (9 comp.), marking the fewest since Nov. 12, 2002 at UCLA (14-19, 202 yards).

PAC MENTALITY

Five of the 10 teams in the Pac-10 Conference scored 40 or more points in their season openers led by UO’s 48.

ANN ARBOR WEATHER ALERT FOR SATURDAY

Current weather predictions for Saturday indicate a possibility of rain or thunderstorms in the Ann Arbor area.

University of Michigan officials remind fans planning to attend the home football game Saturday vs Oregon that procedures are in place to address severe weather conditions, including the possibility of evacuating Michigan Stadium.

"We have continued to enhance our emergency plans for many possible scenarios at Michigan Stadium, including severe weather," said Bill Bess, executive director of U-M's Department of Public Safety. "Last year's game delay because of lightning in the area gave us a real-life test and we learned we can do better in terms of communicating and evacuating the Stadium.

"Management from Athletics and the associated emergency responders have focused their work this summer on these areas in order to enhance the safety of our patrons."

Fans will be kept informed of approaching severe weather through a series of public address announcements and messages on the video scoreboards.

If necessary, they will be encouraged to seek shelter by returning to their personal vehicles or shuttle buses.

Plans have been developed to provide shelter in nearby buildings such as Pioneer High School, Crisler Arena, the Indoor Track Building, Cliff Keen Arena, Yost Ice Arena, Oosterbaan Field House and the Coliseum.

"Obviously, it is a real challenge to shelter 107,000 plus fans and staff," Bess said. "So we are planning to make advance announcements about approaching severe weather in an effort to encourage people to go to their vehicles and leave the area.

"If we do have to evacuate the Stadium, fans are urged to remain calm, follow instructions from Athletics staff and law enforcement officials, and continue moving to the exits in order to keep aisleways and portals open for others."

Additionally, fans are encouraged to bring only necessary items to Michigan Stadium.

All items carried to the Stadium are subject to search.

Changes in national and regional security levels may affect security procedures, including the prohibition of all bags or items in the Stadium.

Exceptions for medical reasons will be addressed individually at the gates.

Prohibited items include:

1. bags larger than 5 inches wide by 8 inches long by 5 inches tall

2. containers of any kind

3. aerosol and spray cans

4. umbrellas and seat backs

5. flags and flagpoles

6. alcoholic beverages

7. coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans and flasks

8. food of any kind

9. camcorders and tripods

10. strollers

11. weapons

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