Ducks Planning a Two-Pronged Attack

If it works for No. 4 North Carolina and No. 9 Ohio State, why not for Oregon?

Seven games into the season, the Ducks still haven’t decided on a quarterback, and are none too bothered by it.

“It’s sort of a nice dilemma that we have, in that two quarterbacks can be effective and can play,” Coach Mike Bellotti said.

Akili Smith, with his speed and running ability, has started three games and led the Ducks to a four-point halftime lead against UCLA two weeks ago before the Bruins came back and won.

But last week against Utah, Jason Maas passed for 369 yards--the 10th-highest total in Oregon history--playing almost the entire game after Smith missed much of the week’s practice because of a sore shoulder.

Bellotti said he probably will name the starter for the USC game today, but expects both to play.

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With USC defensive back Chad Morton limited by a hip bruise, David Gibson is expected to start in the secondary Saturday after making 13 tackles last week against Notre Dame.

Gibson is expected to start at outside linebacker, with Rashard Cook at free safety and Antuan Simmons at rover.

“We plan on using [Morton] in the nickel package and returning kicks and see how that goes, then he might play some free safety,” defensive coordinator Keith Burns said. “I don’t anticipate that right now.”

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Receiver R. Jay Soward’s trouble with cramping in his legs the last two games is a concern, and Coach John Robinson said Soward must consume more fluids to avoid them.

“He’s a guy with low body fat--a lot like mine,” Robinson quipped. “I asked him, ‘Why don’t you drink more water?’ and he said, ‘Coach, water slows you down.’ ”

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Oregon

WHERE: Coliseum

WHEN: Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)