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The Coach’s Office
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The University of Oregon Ducks would have never guessed what they were getting themselves into when they brought Mike Bellotti to the helm of their football program.
Bellotti is a 34-year veteran of the collegiate football world and has redefined what the Oregon gridiron represents.
One basic philosophy has guided Bellotti in his venture against schools great, small and everywhere in between.
“Respect all. Fear none.”
This is a philosophy that is being mirrored by many programs in the Western Athletic Conference during the 2008 season.
Fresno State faces multiple BCS teams. Boise State head coach Chris Petersen will undergo Bellotti’s way of thinking by taking on Bellotti and the Ducks this season.
Petersen is a direct descendant of UO football. He worked as the offensive coordinator/wide receivers’ coach from 1995-2000 for the Ducks before coming to Boise as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks’ coach. The departure of Dan Hawkins in 2006 brought Peterson to the head of BSU football.
“I recruited Chris out of high school and junior college,” Bellotti said. “And I didn’t get him. He went somewhere else. I finally had to pay him to come work for me. That worked out well … He was always like the mad scientist over in the corner drawing up another pass route or another play.”
That type of dedication led to illustrious accomplishments in Bellotti’s heralded career at Oregon. He is the Pac-10 leader for most wins inside the conference since 1995 with a record of 109-52. This record stands as second most in Pac-10 history.
“You better play four quarters of inspired football,” Bellotti said.
The bread and butter of coach Bellotti’s offensive prowess is his passing game. His offense has ranked in the top 20 in the nation for passing every year that he has led the Ducks.
Oregon and Bellotti will have to examine a new form of execution before facing a potent BSU defense. The first two quarterbacks on the Ducks depth chart, Nate Costa and Justin Roper, are sidelined for the rumble against the Broncos. Sophomore Jeremiah Masoli and freshman Chris Harper will share reps under center when BSU comes to Eugene this weekend.
“We may rotate by play,” Bellotti said. “It’s really going to be a feel thing. We’ve got a couple of plans we’re working on … Jeremiah is probably the starter. It just depends on what the first play of the game might be. They’re both going to play a tremendous amount.”
Regardless of who is taking the snaps, one thing is certain. Bellotti will never underestimate a team with the reputation of BSU.
“I just think that Boise State now, they’re pedigree,” Bellotti said, “you talk about their record for the past 10 years nationally as a division I-A football team, is pretty unbelievable … I don’t think there is a need for my players to recognize that this is a very, very good football team and a very, very good, if not great, football program.”
The powerful offensive exhibited by the Broncos year in and year out has been the focus of many teams. This season BSU is coming at Oregon with a little something different.
“A lot of people talk about Boise’s offense,” Bellotti said. “They’re defense has done very well and this year has done a great job. They’re flying around. They’re a very physical defense.”
The defense will bring an Oregon connection with it as well.
Justin Wilcox, Broncos’ defensive coordinator, was a defensive back for the Ducks from 1995-99. Bellotti remembers Wilcox well.
It was a tough decision to convince him to switch from quarterback to defensive back, Bellotti said.
“Justin Wilcox is an intelligent, tough, great football player,” Bellotti said. “Great football coach.”
This match-up, along with their success, puts a target on the Ducks’ backs.
“It’s not who is the best team,” Bellotti said. “It is the team that plays best that day. I think certainly you’ve got to be ready for any time you play another conference or a non-BCS school.
Just the perception of their desire to win and make a name for themselves.”
That is exactly what Petersen and the Broncos are looking to do. Having to play against one of his protégés is something that is bittersweet for Bellotti.
“It is difficult to go against him,” Bellotti said.
Bellotti and Petersen will square off as the Ducks take on the Broncos Saturday, Sept. 20 in Eugene, Ore. at Autzen Stadium. The game will start at 1:30 p.m. It will be broadcast on KTVB, channel 7.
KIRK BELL
SPORTS COORDINATOR
