Civil War looks like skirmish

Once appearing unstoppable, the Oregon Ducks now limp into the 111th Civil War hoping to stop a total meltdown.

Oregon lost its chances for a Rose Bowl berth with a 16-0 loss to UCLA on Saturday. With another loss this Saturday to Oregon State, the once-mighty Ducks could fall to fifth in the Pac-10.

The Ducks (8-3, 5-3) were ranked No. 2 in the nation and in position for a shot at the title before their 34-24 loss to unranked Arizona on Nov. 15. Now they sit No. 18 in the Associated Press rankings and No. 17 in the BCS standings.

Oregon will have to find some offense to avoid another drop. Star quarterback Dennis Dixon is gone for the season with a torn knee ligament, and backup Brady Leaf left the UCLA game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.

Because third-string quarterback Nate Costa injured his knee is practice last month, quarterbacking duties fell to redshirt freshmen Cody Kempt and Justin Roper.

“Our No. 1 and 2 guys are down. Our No. 3 guy was down earlier this year so we’re now down to No. 4 and 5. They didn’t play well today. It was sort of painful to watch,” coach Mike Bellotti said after the game.

Brady Leaf is now on two sore ankles, so it’s likely Kempt or Roper, or both, will play in the Civil War.

And there’s tailback Jonathan Stewart, the Pac-10’s leading rusher who is bothered by a sore right big toe. The Bruins limited him to 33 yards on 13 carries.

One thing in Oregon’s favor is that Oregon State (7-4, 5-3) is hurting, too.

Tailback Yvenson Bernard had his right knee scoped last week, after sitting out the second half of the Beavers’ 52-17 win over Washington State. The Beavers had a bye this past weekend.

“It’s questionable at best for his return in time for the Civil War,” Riley said.Bernard has rushed for 1,037 yards this season and scored 12 touchdowns. Riley said a decision about Bernard’s status will be made after consultation with team doctors.

At quarterback, Lyle Moevao could get his third consecutive start in place of Sean Canfield, who hurt his shoulder Nov. 3 against USC.

Moevao has won both of his starts.