Okay, there is still a slim chance the Beavers could go the granddaddy of them all if somehow the UCLA Bruins find a way to defeat USC this coming weekend, but the pummeling that the Oregon Ducks gave the Beavers yesterday was about as sweet as it gets.
Consider some of the staggering numbers: 694 yards of total offense for the Ducks, an average of over 10 yards per play, 385 yards rushing against one of the top defenses in the country, with Jeremiah Johnson getting over 200 yards of that total in the first half alone. 12 completed passes for 309 yards, including a terrifically defended effort on a pass from freshman Darron Thomas that set up one Duck score.
The name of the game was breaks, and all of them went Oregon's way. A blown interception attempt on the second Duck drive, a couple of Beaver drives into the red zone that ended with just a field goal or no points at all in addition to some athletic offensive plays that certainly took the wind out of the Beaver defense in situations when they were defending well, the best example of that would certainly have to be the pass that Jeremiah Masoli made as he was going out of bounds early in the fourth quarter, finding tight end Ed Dickson for a spectacular 45 yard gain. This play was made even sweeter by the blocking of receiver Jaison Williams, who took out two Beavers at the same time in the play. I have to say that this play will certainly be ranked in my top ten Duck plays of all time.
Sure, there was a lot to nitpick about: abysmal third down defense, especially in the first half, some shoddy kick off and coverage efforts, and a ton of penalties. But, a Civil War victory is always something to appreciate, one that is made immeasurably better by severely damaging their hopes for a Rose Bowl appearance.
It was great driving around town early this morning to buy the papers, it certainly seemed to be that only Duck fans were about, we all waved, signaled, and honked our horns to each other at the recognition.
I do feel sorry for a large number of Beaver fans, the good kind who can keep the rivalry in its proper perspective, but for the large number of "beaver" "nation" "citizens" around here, it will be smiles and laughter all the way round for a long, long time to come. Plus spontaneous rounds of singing the chorus of Dead Flowers by the Rolling Stones. Get yer ya-yas out indeed!
REGISTER-GUARD , GAZETTE TIMES , ESPN
Let's Go Ducks!
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