Like I said before I left for the Holiday Bowl, the Ducks future is in the hands of Dennis Dixon, and the results are mixed.

Dixon and the Ducks ran into the quickest and best defense they had seen all year. At times Dixon looked a bit flustered during the game. I had a feeling he would pull the ball down and run when his first receiving option wasn't open and that's what happened.

But remember Akili Smith's first year. He did the same.

I was working in Eugene during Akili's time with the Ducks and he always talked about going through the progressions. If the first receiver isn't open go to option two, and then three. Dixon has to learn how to do this as well.

Dixon and Leaf will battle it out during the spring and summer for the starter's job. But I truly believe nothing will change. Dixon will start and Leaf will see spot duty. Someone with the Ducks actually told me Leaf was thinking of transferring.

Dixon needs to come back next year a more complete quarterback. He has to play with confidence. Something I don't feel he did in the Holiday Bowl.

Regardless of the quarterback position, the man next year will be running back Jonathan Stewart. Along with Jeremiah Johnson, the Ducks should have two of the best young running backs in the country.

Ron
RPivo