Quote:Updated: April 30, 2005, 7:45 PM ET
Ducks debut spread option offenseAssociated Press

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon's newly installed spread option offense made its competitive debut Saturday, with each of the team's three quarterbacks throwing a touchdown pass during the Green squad's 20-15 victory against the White in the team's spring game at Autzen Stadium.

The new look was installed by first-year offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and is similar to the package introduced by Urban Meyer at Utah.

"We're a long ways away, but that's to be expected," Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said.

Starting quarterback Kellen Clemens completed 8-of-13 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown for the White team. He also had 11 carries for 27 yards in an offense that mixes the option running game with a passing attack designed to stretch the field.

"Dropping back and seeing four or five guys, I was very comfortable and I thought it was productive," Clemens said.

Bellotti attempted to build two evenly matched teams for this year's spring games.

In the past Oregon has matched the first string against the second unit, or the offense against the defense using a modified scoring system.

"For the most part it was well-played," Bellotti said. "There were some mistakes, but when you spread the team that thin, that's to be expected a little bit."

The Ducks will continue to tinker with the offense leading up to fall camp in August, Clemens said.

"There will be more adjustments, but as of right now I feel good," Clemens said.

Oregon's defenders combined for seven sacks. Defensive back Patrick Chung also dropped two potential interceptions.

"It's just being patient," defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said of facing the new offense. "You can't rush into things."

Brady Leaf, the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, took snaps with both squads Saturday. He threw for a total of 213 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-25 passing.

Leaf lacks the mobility to run the option portion of the new offense but flourished from the shotgun set.

"I've never really run the shotgun offense before," Leaf said. "I like it. It suits me well."

Dennis Dixon, the most athletic of the Ducks' quarterbacks, ran six times for 20 yards and completed a 65-yard touchdown pass to Garren Strong against busted coverage.

To me this makes the first game more interesting. I was concerned about our debut of the 3-4. Now I feel a litttle better because they will be unveiling a new offense. I hope our coaches go aggressive against them. I am pretty sure that if we sit back on our heels they will pick us apart.