It was the game the rivalry deserved. And now that it’s over, just a few simple words say it all. The Ducks are going to the Rose Bowl.
Wow.
The game wasn’t always always clean, but it was one for the ages.
Ducks and Beavers traded blows for 60 minutes and as has been the case all season, Oregon wore its opponent down in the second half and asserted itself when the game entered the decisive stages.
Until then, it looked like the Beavers might take control and use a script laid out by the Ducks in 2008 to ruin the home team’s Rose Bowl dreams. But would you believe that when things were at their worst, Chip Kelly would turn to LeGarrette Blount for the first time since the season opener?
Putting Blount in the game while facing a nine point deficit seemed crazy. Turns out, it was brilliant as the big back came up with a huge touchdown to draw Oregon within two at 30-28.
From there, LaMichael James became dominant, turning in a 52 yard lead-taking touchdown run on the next offensive series. The defense began to shine after giving up scores on five consecutive drives between the second and third quarters.
When the game was on the line in the final six minutes, it was fitting to see Jeramiah Masoli, James and Blount all turning in huge plays to ultimately ensure the Beavers would never get another chance.
Oregon State played a great game. Sean Canfield looks like a bonafide pro. The Rodgers brothers are ridiculously talented. And they all deserve a much better bowl than what might be available after Saturday’s games. The Holiday had better think long and hard about the Beavers who would travel well and be an ideal representative for the Pac-10 in the league’s second best bowl.
But I’m sure opponent respect isn’t what the Beavers were after. Clearly, they wanted the spoils of the victor, but Thursday, those were reserved for Oregon.
As the final seconds ticked down and melted into a post game celebration where fans could not and would not leave, the scene at Autzen Stadium seemed surreal even through ESPN’s cameras a state away.
I sat and watched. And smiled. And kept smiling. And then I saw that first red rose, and Oh My God! The Ducks are in the Rose Bowl! That really just happened. How sweet it is.
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I new this game was up for grabs by who ever wanted it more and it sure looked like the beavers were that team. But alas the time ran out and Oregon came out on top. Great game Beaves, we will see you again next year. But for now lets go to the rose bowl.
GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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A classic match between two fine teams. In the end I think the difference was that the UO shut down Quizz, making the Beavers one-dimensional. Meanwhile OSU could not stop James which allowed the Ducks offense to be multi-dimensional and the result was the most yards gained against the Beavers all season. And let’s face it – Masoli is just a stud. There is no other way to describe it. Don’t get between Jeremiah and the first down marker or you’ll get rolled.
And there can be no better story in college football than the redemption of LG Blount. Kelly is not only the best coach in the PAC-10 he is one heck of a leader.
Pasadena, here we come!!!
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Great game, great article, but I’m very worried. Why? Because Talmadge Jackson III always has his back to the ball. I’ve noticed him doing this in recent games, when a receiver goes by him, he never even attempts to look back, he just tries to time the jump. He either gets beat, gets PI, or gets lucky. If he had turned around he would have had some picks. Can we create some buzz about this because it’s getting to be a very worrisome trend and someone needs to have a chat with this guy.
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What you describe has been a Duck trait for a long time. Yes it is very frustrating. It helps when we can put pressure on the QB so that the backs do bot have to cover for so long. When you give someone like Canfield time it is difficult to defend against the receiver.
I need to study up on Ohio State now. Nick, we need Buckeye info. Are they a good passing team?
Just made our room reservations in Pasadena!! We’re going to the Rose Bowl!!!
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