There was some rust to be shaken off after months without playing, but Oregon’s first scrimmage of the fall camp went pretty well. Quarterback Nate Costa showed that his twice-surgically repaired knee is ready to go and freshman running back LaMichael James showed that he’s ready to contribute.
“I feel 100 percent better about our quarterback situation this year than I did a year ago at this time,” coach Chip Kelly said after the scrimmage,
Costa went 12-for-15 for 159 yards and three touchdowns. He ran seven times for 45 yards. But, Jermiah Masoli is still the No. 1 QB. He went 5-for-13 for 44 yards and two touchdowns. He also had seven rushes, gaining four yards.
Wide reciever Jamere Holland did not play Saturday; neither did D.J. Davis nor newcomers Diante Jackson and Tyrece Gaines. However, Jeff Maehl did (2 catches, 29 yards, 2 touchdowns), after missing most of the practices this month.
Rory Cavaille (4 catches, 55 yards) and Lavasier Tuinei (4 catches, 38 yards) each caught a touchdown pass as well. The best receiver Saturday, though, had to be running back LaMichael James, who spent much of the day split wide. He caught 2 passes for 54 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown pass from Costa.
James also carried the ball four times for 21 yards and a touchdown.
The Ducks take a day off before resuming with practice on Monday in the morning at 9:15 a.m.