Game Day Commentary

Everywhere I turn I see duckfan. There is an orgy of green and yellow going on here in PDX. Ironic, since the team they follow eschews those colors of late. One radio station is playing the Oregon fight song over and over again. Every player that ever played or coached football for the U of O has been interviewed at least ten times. I must say I've had my fill. Bring on the game and get it over.

I'll get to watch the game at home on the big TV with my solidly Orange daughter. I've been invited to duckfan parties, but no thanks. If I went I know I'd have to excuse myself early.

If Oregon wins, I'll be happy for my many Duck friends, John Nilsen, Mark O'Doherty, the entire Frey family and my brother-in-law Wayne, whose kids, my nephews, have a new found enthusiastic allegiance to all that is U of O. I can't deny them their fun. Think how far the program has come to even be in this game. If they win, it will be bigger than Terry Baker or Steve Prefontaine in state of Oregon sports legend. A huge accomplishment, not likely to be repeated. I appreciate all the Pac-10 vs SEC arguments. I concur that it would be nice to see the whole country awaken to the idea that west coast football is now more than just USC. I even think that Oregon's success might force the Beavers to raise the bar in Corvallis. It has always seemed to do so in the past.

If Oregon loses, I will have a smile in my heart that will last for days. I can't explain it. I always get happy to hear that the Ducks lost a game. Does not matter which sport. A loss in this game would probably make me happier than most. My distaste for all that is Oregon was honed in the 1970's at Gill Coliseum and Mac Court. I have personally witnessed many Civil Wars. At times it seemed my own blood was spilled. Simply put, they are my school's arch rivals and hated enemy. Its like the Greeks and the Turks, ingrained in me. And all of their financial blessing from Phil Knight has me putting the Ducks in the same category I hold the New York Yankees. Over-privileged and spoiled. They did not earn this as much as they bought this. Don't get me wrong. I love Phil Knight. I think he is a treasure for the whole state. He sometimes gives money to OSU. Just not quite so much.

While I don't like Oregon, I sure as hell respect this football team. They have been amazing to watch. Their lightning strike offense can be jaw-dropping. Their kickoff and punt returns are incredible. Oregon is loaded with skilled athletes and speed. It's like Chip Kelly has invented a whole new way to play this game. I'm sure we will see many copycat coaches playing fast-tempo offense in the next few years. Oregon, along with Nike, has also invented a new sports fashion culture. It won't be long before we see many other teams featuring new uniforms, shoes and helmets for every game. I think Phil Knight might get his investment back on this deal.

And Auburn? They remind me of that Texas team a few years ago that beat USC carried by quarterback Vince Young's amazing all-around skills. He seemed to win that game all by himself. Can Cam Newton do the same tonight? I think he's every bit as talented as Vince Young and similar in so many ways. Won't he show up when the stage is the biggest of all? My guess is that he will. Can Oregon stop him? No one else has been able to.

I watch in peace and calm tonight. I expect a great game. I root for neither team. Whoever wins, there will be reasons to celebrate.