Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington, Washington State, BCS, Pac 10
Just when it seemed like things were going without a hitch for Oregon -- a clear, unimpeded path to the national title game -- the first significant hitch has arrived.Backup quarterback Nate Costa, who battled with Darron Thomas for the starting job in training camp, injured his knee in last week's win at Washington and his college career is over.
Costa, who backed up Jeremiah Masoli last year as well, was hurt on a botched field-goal attempt in the third quarter. The injury, to his right knee, was his fourth knee injury since high school. Previous injuries had been to Costa's left knee.
Freshman Bryan Bennett will be the new backup for the Ducks.
Costa had completed 25 of 33 passes this year for 286 yards and a touchdown and he'd run for two touchdowns.
"It's a tough situation, he's just such a great kid, and he means everything to our football team," said Oregon coach Chip Kelly. "He talked to our team (Tuesday) morning and told them not to feel sorry for him that he'll be there with us. He's just a classy kid and it's a real unfortunate loss for us."
Kelly was adamant that there will be no changes to the offense -- for example, no reduction in the number of running plays to prevent Thomas from getting hurt. But the safety net of an experienced backup is unquestionably gone.
"We run our offense and we'll see how it goes," Kelly said. "We don't call plays based on who the backup is."
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