Stewart stumps Stanford

EUGENE, Ore. – Jonathan Stewart promised he’d have a big season, and the Oregon running back got off to a good start against Stanford.

Stewart ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns, then left with a right ankle injury, as the 21st-ranked Ducks beat the Cardinal 48-10 in a Pacific-10 Conference game Saturday.

“I got the rock and did whatever I did to win,” Stewart said.

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said Stewart has a lateral sprain but would be ready for next week’s game at Fresno State. The sophomore was wearing a boot to protect the ankle – injured late in the third quarter – after the game.

“I’ll be fine,” Stewart said. “I was cutting to the left for a first down and someone landed on me.”

Stewart rushed for 188 yards in 10 games last season and vowed he’d return with a breakout season.

Against Stanford, he had plenty of help. Dennis Dixon threw for a score and ran for another, completing 21 of 30 passes for 236 yards.

“We got a whole lot of people here, and a whole lot of weapons,” Dixon said. “But there’s only one ball to go around.”

Stanford’s Trent Edwards completed 20 of 34 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. Mark Bradford had nine catches for 108 yards.

“This was a real humbling experience. We need to go back to the drawing board,” Bradford said. “I expect more out of this offense.”

Stewart scored from a yard out to make it 10-3 for the Ducks early in the second quarter.

Dixon’s 15-yard scoring pass to Jaison Williams increased the lead.

Stanford answered with Edwards’ 26-yard TD pass to Bradford.

Stewart scored again on a 3-yard run and Paul Martinez added a 24-yard field goal to make it 27-10 at halftime.

Dixon’s 2-yard keeper put Oregon up 34-10 midway through the third quarter.