As Oregon begins preparation for a 2007 season of hoped-for redemption, what’s the most important game on the sked?

Some will argue the Sept. 1 season-opener against Houston; a good start helps Dr. Jekyll Dennis Dixon find Mr. Hyde again, and as Dixon goes, so go the Ducks. Beyond that, a win rids fans of the memory of that disastrous dream-turned-nightmare 2006 season: a win over Oklahoma that did more harm than good; four straight losses to end the season; and the unveiling of those gold helmets before the BYU embarrassment, the worst public relationsmove since the Hindenburg owners touted their indestructible blimp shortly before it burst into flames back in ‘37.

Some will argue the Oct. 13 home game against Washington State; lose to the Cougs and Alex Brink — a QB the Ducks passed on even though he basically grew up in Mike Bellotti’s backyard — and Oregon will be hard-pressed to make much of a tough homestretch.

Some will argue Cal and Arizona State at home, or the Huskies on the road.But no game is more important than the Dec. 1 Civil War against Oregon State. Why?

— First, the Beavers, at least on paper, would seem to be in prime position to become the first team in 11 years to win on the other’s turf. That little statistic won’t help recruiting, particularly in-state.

Mike Bellotti has never lost to the Beavers at home as head coach. To do so now wouldn’t help his credibility, which is already black and blue after last season.

— Second, since 2002, Oregon losses to Oregon State have been an indicator of horrible seasons — 7-6 in 2002, 5-6 in 2004 and 7-5 in 2006. In short, it’s a pivotal game. Forget Puxatony Phil; history says: Beat the Beavers and spring will come soon, lose and you’re in for a nuclear winter.

— Third, when we last left off, the programs were headed in opposite directions — OSU’s up, Oregon’s down. The Beavers won eight of their last nine last year. Stunned No. 1 USC. And won the Sun Bowl on a gutsy two-point conversation. Oregon lost its last four games by an average score of 35-14. Stuffed its BMW running back, Jonathan Stewart, in the garage for reasons nobody can understand. And has spent the last few months listening to Beaver fans boasting — justifiably so — about two NCAA baseball championships.

If Oregon were going 1-11 in 2007 — not suggesting the Ducks will be, just being hypothetical — why would you want that single “W” to be over anybody else? Sure, beating a USC or a Michigan brings you a burst of pride, and nobody likes to lose to the Huskies.But if the Ducks hope to return to national prominence in football, they first need to take care of business right here at home.