Civil War Game Day
Sound the trumpets! It's Civil War Gameday!
It's a rivalry that's going to be played for the 127th time, dating back to 1894. And it looks like this won't be the last time after all, so we don't have the end of the story narrative that's been hanging over some games this season, including last Saturday evening against Washington.
Also, it's only the 6th time both teams have been ranked (Oregon is #6, Oregon State #16), so it's still one of the best and biggest matchups ever, even though Oregon State, 2 touchdown underdogs, can't get to the conference championship game no matter what happens, thanks to the 22-20 loss to the Huskies.
But the 10-1 Ducks won't get there either if the Beavers prevail, unless Arizona also suffers an upset loss in the Territorial Cup battle with Arizona State tomorrow.
An upset will be a sizable accomplishment, and not just because Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country since they lost by 3 to Washington. And statistically have the best offense and defense in the conference. This year, it's in Autzen, not Reser.
Oregon and Oregon State have split the last 4, but no one has won on the (short) road (99W between Corvallis and Eugene) since 2018, and only once since 2014. Oregon State hasn't won in Autzen in 16 years, since the 38-31 win in 2007.
A better bowl bid is in play for both teams, and Oregon also wants a measure of revenge for Oregon State literally running the ball down their throats last season, when the Beavers came back from 31-10 down at halftime to win 38-34.
And there is a turkey dinner to work off.
What more could one want in the last Pac-12 Game Day between the state's colorful college teams?
Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com