Tournament of Roses

David R.

January 2, 2010 - 1:33 PM

It always happens when you least expect it. Just when it seemed the Ducks couldn't play any better, they were beaten by Terrelle Pryor and the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. Of course, myself, along with all of the Oregon Ducks fans have an Oregon bias, but I was convinced, and still am, that the Ducks were the best team in this year's Rose Bowl contest.

After coming out sluggish, the Ducks were able to fight back and tie the game at 10, and eventually take the lead 17 to 16 in the third quarter. The momentum seemed to take a dive when recently reinstated Oregon running back Legarrette Blount had trouble receiving a handoff, fumbling and kicking it out of the back of the end zone. Up until that point, the Ducks had driven down the field with ease, and were only yards away from another touchdown.

Young Ohio State quarterback Terrelle pryor is a major threat, not only because of his arm, but because of his speed. I can recall multiple occasions when it seemed the Oregon defenders were going to wrap him up for a loss, and then he would escape and prance down the field for more yardage. The Buckeyes were able to make big plays when they had to, and the Ducks ended the game for themselves when kicker Morgan Flint was unable to connect on a field goal late in the game, which would have brought the Ducks within six points.

Although the Ducks were unable to snag a victory, my time in Pasadena was still an incredible experience. Prior to this weekend, I had never spent any significant time in Los Angeles. I was at nearby Venice Beach for one day when my family as we were passing through to San Diego, but that is it.

My dad, brother, and I stayed in a hotel in Marina Del Rey. It was great to see the Pacific Ocean again. The last time I saw it was last spring break. The day we arrived, we spent a great deal of time driving around and sight-seeing. We drove through Beverly Hills, and eventually over in to Hollywood, where I saw the famous Hollywood sign that I have seen hundreds of times in movies and on television. We walked inside the Beverly Hilton, which served as one of the main University of Oregon hotels for the Rose Bowl. In one of the conference rooms was a Duck Store with tons of Oregon fans eager to get their Rose Bowl memorabilia. In the morning, we headed over to the stadium early to take a look at the renowned structure that is known by all college football fans. There we met with my roommate and spent the next few hours tailgating with fellow Oregon fans. When game time neared we entered the stadium and the excitement began to build, and was later maximized by the jet flyover following the National Anthem.

Although Oregon lost, I am sill proud to be a Duck, and simply attending a Rose Bowl game was plenty of fun for me. If it wasn't for the success of the Ducks football team, I would have never had this opportunity. With Jeremiah Masoli returning for one more year, I have no doubt that our Ducks will be able to achieve similar success next season. The 2010 Rose Bowl is mere history now. I'm glad I was able to attend, and watch my team play on such a significant stage, as they fought, with pride, for the University of Oregon.