Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Battle of Seattle

Peter E.

October 24, 2009 - 5:03 PM

I've ventured northbound to spend the weekend with my family in Seattle. My mom, dad, and sister flew up from Phoenix, and we spent the weekend with my Seattle family: Aunt Wendy, Aunt Susan, Uncle Mark, and cousins Maddie and Mitchell.

Not so coincidentally, the occasion marks the Ducks yearly installment of the heated border war against Washington. We've planned this weekend for several months, and I secured our tickets in the Oregon section months ago, eagerly awaiting this weekend to see my family and to beat the Huskies.

The whole game day experience was phenomenal. Mark and Susan surprised us with tickets for "The Husky Boat" to cruise to the game. Game time was 12:30pm, so we walked about a mile down the road from my cousins' house to the Fishermen's Terminal where we descended upon the tour boat donned in purple and gold balloons, streamers, and fans. While we were definitely in the minority there were fellow Duck fans on the boat, so that was refreshing and reassuring that we would not be pushed overboard (alone at least).

My Mom and I contemplating the victory-to-be aboard "The Husky Boat"

 Aboard the boat, we stood on the deck admiring houseboats, yachts, and the Seattle skyline as we made our way towards the University of Washington to Union Bay. After about a 45 minute cruise, we docked at the doorstep of Husky Stadium and made our way past other tailgating boats to the entrance.

We flocked to our section with our fellow Ducks in the Oregon section, and nestled in for game time. The Ducks got off to a slow start in the first quarter falling behind 3-0. However, a blocked punt recovered in the end zone and an offensive touchdown in the second quarter gave the Ducks a 15-6 advantage at the half. Nonetheless, there was definitely a sense of apprehension among Oregon fans during halftime because the Ducks' explosive offense was stumbling against a less-than-stellar Huskies defense.

In the third quarter though, the Ducks offense finally let loose racking up a 36-6 lead. Jeremiah Masoli was back at the helm, and appeared to be in mid-season form running, throwing, and handing off, clearly quelling any lingering suspicions about his injured right knee. In addition, the return of T.J. Ward gave Oregon some extra depth in the secondary on defense, and Oregon's defense turned in another magnificent performance forcing three turnovers and pressuring gunslinging Jake Locker.

Likely Christmas Card photo for 2009 of the Ewbank clan with The  Duck

(from left to right: Tina, The Duck, Scott, Molly, Peter).

The Ducks made easy work of the Huskies with a final score of 43-19 and should climb into the top 10 this week with the help of a Miami loss. Today's victory sets up next Saturday's matchup of Oregon vs. USC in Autzen Stadium. The two top-ten teams will likely battle for a trip to the Rose Bowl and the Pac-10 Title. Needless to say, it will be a Halloween for the ages.

While it is going to be difficult to leave my family, it's a pretty sweet feeling returning to Eugene a winner with the anticipation of possibly the biggest game the Ducks have played this decade. Seattle was great, but I'm happy to be a Duck in Eugene right now!

  Wishful thinking