Civil Warfare

Today is the day. The Oregon State Beavers will meet the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene for the biggest Civil War in 112 years.
The stakes are high, higher than that second-year stoner who sold mushrooms to students at 15th and Ferry Alley back in aught-two. The winner goes to the Rose Bowl, the loser goes to Loserville. In Oregon’s case, that would be the Holiday Bowl. For Oregon State, it would likely be the Las Vegas Bowl.

The week and a half leading up to this game has been tiring. Commentators and fans alike have been sparring over details large and small. I’ve heard enough of the analysis, taunts and trash talk -- I’m ready to sit back and let the two teams settle it.

Of course, I’m rooting for my Ducks. But it’s anybody’s game -- winner take all. To the victor go the spoils: the Pac-10 championship, the glory, and the opportunity to drop the hammer on the Big Ten’s Ohio State Buckeyes.

Both teams are well-rested and have undoubtedly been going through exhaustive preparations. The game will be an offensive battle; Oregon’s defense will have to contain sure-footed Beavers back Jacquizz Rodgers while Oregon State’s defense will have to deal with versatile Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli.

I hope this Civil War lives up to its hype. I hope it shows the rest of the country (and the BCS) that the Pac-10 is a reputable conference with teams that can compete with SEC, Big East and Big 12 powerhouses. Most of all, I hope the fans maintain a level of civility consistent with the relaxed attitude of many Oregonians. But with so much on the line, that actually might be asking too much.

Let’s grip it and rip it.

**UPDATE: Ducks win 37-33**