Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Civil War

Korrin B.

December 5, 2009 - 6:40 PM

So, maybe it is cliché to say, but I must do it. I smell roses!

Last Thursday, I made sure to finish my paper for one of my classes in the early afternoon because I knew that once I left the house, I wouldn't be coming back until late. I spent Thursday night freezing along with around 59,000 other Duck fans at one of the most emotional Civil Wars to date.

The entire day leading up to the game was exciting for me. I loved seeing all of the cars driving around town with their UO flags displayed proudly on their windows. Everyone in Eugene stood out with their various renditions of green and yellow pride. I was so excited that I didn't even mind being stuck in game day traffic on my way to work. I was twenty minutes late. However, when I finally got to work, all decked out in my Duck gear, I was so excited to see our kids chanting, "Go Ducks!" and wearing their colors too. It is important to educate these children while they are still young on who really has the best team. I think they are learning quickly.

This whole Thursday game thing definitely threw me for a loop though. I had to come to the game straight from work. I thought I would have plenty of time, but the thing about working at an elementary school is that you never quite know what is going to come up. I ended up having to stay late to talk with a kid who was having a rough day, so by the time I was able to throw on two pairs of leggings, some long johns, an extra pair of pants, and the get out to my work's parking lot, I was in a rush. It was good though. The rush caused my body temperature to rise, which helped my many layers of clothing help hold in some heat for at least the first quarter of the game.

I reached the top of the student section right as the marching band began the National Anthem. After it was over, I jogged down the steps until I found my friend who had luckily saved me a seat. Well, in the student section at Autzen it's more like he saved me a seat on which I could stand.

The game was fabulous. The energy was so rich and pure. It was so exciting to see Blount let back into the game and given that final chance. The game stayed close enough that it kept us all on our toes. However, when there was about a minute left in the game and our Duck mascot stood in front of the student section and pulled a bouquet of roses out of a bag, I think everyone in that stadium was smiling. The feeling was real. I watched as the crowd rushed the field and then I joined them.

"We're going to the Rose Bowl!" could be heard from all directions. I love my Ducks.