Brown Looking for Encore

His moment in the sun was actually under the lights.

“It was like a magical experience,� Keith Brown said.

Last Saturday night--not merely getting the chance to start at tailback because of Jermaine Lewis’ suspension, but getting it near his hometown of Phoenix--Brown rushed for 91 yards in nine carries and scored two touchdowns, one that clinched the victory at Arizona. Which is why this Saturday, even with Lewis having been reinstated, Brown will be in the opening lineup again.

“I had a lot of pressure on me,� he said of the promotion for the Arizona game. “I won’t lie. Being able to start, I had waited three years for that.

“It was very emotional. I just had to seize the moment. Coach [Bob] Toledo, he just looked me in the eye before the game.

“ ‘Ready?’

“ ‘Yeah.’ �

The challenge to maintain the pace will be even greater this week, with fast-charging freshman DeShaun Foster held back by inexperience more than anything, but still drawing more raves with every appearance, and Lewis back. That probably means fewer opportunities for Brown, but that can’t take away the one chance.

The one he got last week.

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Brian Poli-Dixon, the Tucson native, had a modest showing at Arizona Stadium, with four catches and 51 yards. But he also had a touchdown, a 14-yarder from Cade McNown in the second quarter of the 52-28 win. “I wish I had a little better game,� he said. “But it felt good to get into the end zone.� . . . Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and flanker Danny Farmer have been selected captains for the Oregon game, joining season-long choices Larry Atkins and McNown.