Best remains on Heisman track.

Byline: Rob Moseley The Register-Guard

Just a few weeks ago, a list of potential Heisman Trophy candidates from the Pac-10 would have included both Jahvid Best of California and Jeremiah Masoli of Oregon.

The two will face off Saturday in Autzen Stadium at 12:30 p.m., but only one has played up to preseason expectations to this point. Best enters Saturday's matchup having established himself as one of the favorites nationally for the Heisman, while Masoli has some wondering if he's even the best quarterback on his team.

If there was a question about where Oregon coaches stand on that last point, it was resoundingly answered Monday. Two days after going 4-of-16 in the Ducks' win over Utah, Masoli took every rep with the first-string offense in practice. Afterward, UO coach Chip Kelly chose Masoli to break the team huddle.

"I don't think his confidence is waning at all," UO quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said. "And I know our belief in him isn't waning at all."

That said, the staff went about Monday trying to correct some of the mistakes that plagued Masoli and the offense against the Utes. After fumbling twice Saturday, Masoli was asked to carry the football tight to his chest, and to both focus better on the snap and use two hands to catch it.

Helfrich said he continues to work to correct ongoing mechanical issues with Masoli, namely his tendency to overstride and to drop his throwing elbow, both of which affect his accuracy.

In practice Monday, Masoli completed 50-of-64 passes; of his 14 incompletions, at least five were dropped, two were broken up on outstanding defensive plays and one was thrown away.

"Today was better," Helfrich said. "Today was a step in the right direction, for sure."

Masoli said he and Oregon's receivers are committed to fixing the passing offense, and he showed as much during and after practice.

When not taking reps himself, Masoli sometimes mimicked the action of the other quarterbacks during drills. After coaches left the field, the quarterbacks and several receivers stayed late to put in extra work.

"All the receivers and tight ends are on the same page as far as, we need to get this better now," said Masoli, who had his worst game of 2008 against Cal, going 7-of-21 with two interceptions in a loss at Berkeley.

"We're just one person away from busting a lot of stuff. We're not worried about it, but we're on top of it."

Helfrich said he'll use reinforcement, both positive and otherwise, to coax along Masoli and the other elements of the passing offense this week.

"Jeremiah's biggest strength is his ability to just make plays when things break down," Helfrich said. "But our efficiency needs to come when the play is there to be made - make it."

Best has made play after play after play this season. The dynamic running back is third nationally in rushing, 15th in all-purpose yards and first in scoring through three games, averaging 137.33 rushing yards and three touchdowns per game.

Against Minnesota this past week, the junior rushed 26 times for 131 yards and five touchdowns to win Pac-10 offensive player of the week honors.

"So far this year, I think he's the best running back in the country," Kelly said.

The respected Web site HeismanPundit.com ranks Best as the No. 2 candidate in the country for the award, after Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Matt Hayes of The Sporting News ranked Best third behind Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and McCoy.

"He's a great back," UO middle linebacker Casey Matthews said. "He's extremely fast and he hits the holes hard. Once he sees that little seam, he's going to hit it. Same with (backup) Shane Vereen, too, so we've got our hands full this week."

Best is the fourth tailback currently ranked among the national leaders in rushing that Oregon (2-1) will face this season. Ralph Bolden of Purdue is second nationally at 140.33 yards per game, having run for 123 yards against the Ducks.

Utah's Matt Asiata averages 101.33 yards per game but ran for 54 with a sore shoulder this past week, and Boise State's D.J. Harper ran for 88 yards against Oregon, six fewer than his average.

California (3-0) quarterback Kevin Riley also ranks among the best in the nation. Riley currently sits sixth in passing efficiency, with a quarterback rating of 170.61. Masoli's rating is 88.8.

"(Riley) can put the ball on the money deep, so we also need to focus on that," Matthews said. "Because I know most of our tendencies will be focused toward Jahvid."