To better serve our viewers, we’ll be upgrading our grid servers tonight (Nov. 30) from 9:30pm to 3:30am to better handle our site traffic. Make sure to get your Civil War news before then or check back in the morning for all the overnight headlines.

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DuckSportsNews.com will be on “Sports Talk” with Steve Tannen and Nate Gorman today on 1120 KPNW at 4:15pm. In addition to talking about the media coverage leading up to tomorrow’s Civil War game, DSN will also make an announcement about a new feature being added to the site and a new contributor to the site for the basketball season.

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Josh Wilcox is going over the the middle for the Civil War game this week.

As the Ducks head into the Civil War, visitors to DuckSportsNews.com are throwing ideas at Josh to see what happens. Even we don’t know what’s going to happen, but we know it’s going to be honest.

Now it’s time to send Wilcox over the middle…

Marty in Bend, OR wrote:
My best Civil War memory is…

Josh:
My best Civil War memory is…One of my fondest memories of the Civil War is actually not even playing in it. I can recall listening to it on the radio when the Ducks used to go play the Beavers in the early to mid 80’s. I would be helping my dad, more than likely getting in the way, stealing his Pepsi’s, cleaning the basement, and listening to every call on what was going on. “Latin Berry, up the middle, TOUCHDOWN DUCKS” they would scream. Of course as I got older and was able to go to the games and watch I can remember seeing us stuff Erik Wilhelm, and the Air Express. And senior day when Bill Musgrave was the QB, that was pretty amazing. He certainly does not get enough credit for what he did for this football tradition, he was Joey before Joey. He was the man. Clinching the Pac-10 title in Corvallis was nice, but I much rather would have done that in Eugene. Winning in 1996 my senior year when we went in there playing for a bowl berth, which we did not get, and our pride. We did just that.

Marty in Bend, OR wrote:
My worst Civil War memory is…

Josh:
My worst Civil War memory is…There are a few actually. One has to be my first civil war. 1993, we just had a disappointing loss to Stanford and the Beavers were coming to town. It had so much to do now with pride and beating the beavers. I was so excited to actually get to play in my first civil war. The closed practices, the old players coming back and telling you what it meant to be a Duck and be a part of the Civil War. We went out and stunk up the joint, bad. We stunk. I was devastated. I don’t think everyone was, but I know a lot of young guys saw how some of the older guys were acting and vowed not to be like that. I would also saying falling on my rear end in the 1994 Civil War ranks up there but that is more embarrassing than anything. Other civil war moment(s) I can recall as not being to pleasant were the games some of the home games in the early to mid 80’s, the 0-0 tie game, and another game with snow, ice, and Jack Frost nipping at my nose. Wish we would have had skyboxes back then.

Wally in Eugene, OR wrote:
As Pac-10 commissioner, I would…

Josh:
As Pac-10 commissioner, I would…Wow. That would be like me getting a cool chemistry set from Santa on Christmas morning. You play with it for about 5 days, then figure out this is way too complex. First thing of order would to place a lifetime ban on “Slick Rick” from ever coaching in the Pac-10 again. Secondly, I would require that each Pac-10 school play at least two non-league games with schools from other BCS conferences or teams consistently going to bowl games. What I mean is not playing a 1-AA school more than once or twice, and then a team like a Duke, who has had a tough go of it for a while. Third, I would examine the BCS thoroughly to see what the repercussions would be of expanding the Pac-10 to include two more teams. And then I would examine a championship game, just to see what benefit it would be to the Pac-10. I would also put in by-laws preventing Rick Neuheisel from ever coaching in the Pac-10…Oh did I already say that? I would also require each team to have throwback uniforms. I would look into the possibility of forming a Pac-10 network, with available on demand games from the past. Just think of watching Oregon defeat BYU and Ty Detmer, or Akli Smith torch Michigan State, or Chris Miller to Lew Barnes. I would make sure there is a focus on academics and recruiting players who will be productive in society and the classroom, not just the on the field.

Rick in Berkeley, CA wrote:
Beating OSU this weekend would mean…

Josh:
Beating OSU this weekend would mean…a chance to have the state bragging rights, and an opportunity to play in a great bowl game! What else can one ask for? Lets not forget that we were doing back flips and cart wheels about 20 years ago when if we beat the beavers we might get to go to lovely Louisiana. Granted it was not for the National title, but going to the Independence Bowl to play Tulsa and make a name for Oregon, that got guys on a team with less overall talent to play hard and win. Let’s see what happens. I mean depending on how it plays out but a chance to either go to the Holiday Bowl, or Sun Bowl, both places where we could redeem ourselves after our previous performances in each prospective bowl games! A win also proves to the nation these kids won’t quit.

John in Longview, WA wrote:
The Ducks’ current situation is…

Josh:
The Ducks’ current situation is…not uncommon to the program. If you go back and look at the programs in the 80’s and early 90’s, this was something Oregon was always facing. They were facing it to the magnitude that this year’s team is facing, but they were facing similar issues. Losing QB’s, having players injured, the offense struggling. The difference now is that we have the depth and talent to overcome some of those issues and still be competitive. At least we do on paper. We have so much more talent top to bottom than in the past. But the guys now who are playing for those who are hurt, have no experience. Now comes the time as a player and coach you get to see what you and your teammates are made of. It is extremely disappointing what they went through. They did lose the heart and soul of the team when Dennis went down. Now Leaf is down. Stewart is banged up; receivers are down, linebackers banged up. But that is why you play the game. It is not easy. But if you can not get excited to play in the Civil War against your rivals less than 60 miles away and a bowl game, then quit right now. Same for the fans, if you can not support the Ducks and if you can not realize that the ball does not always bounce your way then support another team. But if that is not you and you want to stay on the wagon, it might get bumpy. But it will feel good when the ride is over, because we’re all in it together. GO DUCKS!

- Josh Wilcox

Would you like to send “Wilcox Over The Middle”? If so, go to OneClickSportsNews.com or leave a comment and throw one to Josh to see where he goes with it.

Josh Wilcox, a Junction City, Oregon native was a four-year letterman with Ducks. In the Rose Bowl Season of 1994 against Arizona, Danny O’Neil threw 15 yards to Josh for the game’s only touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Oregon came from behind to win 10-9. Arizona was ranked No. 11 by The Associated Press and ranked 23d by The New York Times computer. Josh went on to catch 11 passes for 135 yards against Penn State in the 1995 Rose Bowl. After finishing his career at Oregon, Josh went on to play for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

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This Saturday, SLOCUM Center parking will be open for the Civil War Game!

Only $10. Parking lot opens at 8:30am.

Slocum is located on the corner of Centennial & Coburg Rd.

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Welcome to “The 4|4 with Peter Sirmon”, the Civil War Edition. Each week visitors to DuckSportsNews.com ask Peter four questions and he answers them. If you would like to ask Peter a question for for the Bowl Game edition, leave it in the comment section or send Peter an email.

Here’s the by-week edition of “The 4|4 with Peter Sirmon”.

Peter, any great Civil War memories? – Bob, Redmond

Peter: My best Civil War memory was walking off the field my senior year after we beat the Beavers and thinking that I could always be proud of the fact that my senior class went out with a win against them. During that week of preparation Coach Bellotti brought in past players to speak to the team after practices and I remember one player had lost to OSU his senior year and he and his recruiting class never forgave themselves. My class wanted to leave a legacy. To leave a legacy you cannot lose to the Beavers on your final home game ever.

What was it like being on the sidelines for the ‘98 Civil War game? – Jack, Portland

Peter: What I most remember about that game is the way the OSU students started running on the field before the game was even over. If my memory serves me correctly I remember it being a miserable game, cold and rainy. That was a long year for me because I was injured, there were several games that year that I felt I could have helped the team win.

How does it feel to be voted on to OregonLive.com’s Ultimate Ducks Civil War Team? – Holly, Medford

Peter: Being voted to the Ultimate Ducks Civil War Team is really cool. It fills me with great pride that people still remember me and the way I represented the university. The team is full of great players and to be included among them is a real honor. I could not be happier with the decision I made when I was 17 years old to go to the University of Oregon. The school gave me so much. Someday soon I would like to be part of the football program again.

If one of your kids wanted to go to Oregon State, would you let them? – Kevin, Corvallis

Peter: No comment.

Again, thanks for the great questions. And check back at DSN before the bowl game for the final 4|4 of the year.

- Peter Sirmon, No. 44

[JJ: Be sure to check out Peter on the cover of the Civil War program.]

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This came through the e-channels today. See the bottom for the part about Kenny Wheaton.

****

Duck Fans,

Please see the letter below. It was written by my boss, Edward Jessie, and a truncated version appears in this morning’s Oregonion Letters to the Editor. Also, the ’sidenote’ at the bottom regarding Reggie Jordan is true. I took the phone call from him yesterday. Enjoy and Go Ducks!

To all:

I write this email out of concern. I spoke with a close friend yesterday, an Oregon alum, who has missed only exactly one Civil War game (home or away) in the past 20 years. My friend called to ask if I knew of anyone who could use his tickets this weekend. I asked what was wrong, was everyone ok in his family, had something happened? That was when he told me he was thinking of sitting at home and watching on TV. A disturbing muttering I have been hearing since I sat in the Rose Bowl during the disappointing shutout last Saturday by UCLA. “Not sure if we can win this year.”

For those of you Oregon season ticket holders who were, less than two weeks ago, excited as a number-two-team-in-the-country-fan could be and planning your Civil War tailgate, and are now considering not attending the Civil War on Saturday, you need to reconsider. However, If you had no intention of going in the first place due to other commitments, constraints, or no interest, then fine. But those of you who were giddy and are now wavering, need to reconsider and attend.

History and tradition should be enough to keep you coming: This signifies the 111th meeting of these two schools, the oldest rivalry west of the Rockies, (The Big Game between Cal and Stanford pre-dates UO-OSU by two years, but has been played one less time) dating back to 1894. Only seven other rivalries have had more meetings, including Texas-Texas A&M, Auburn-Georgia, and Missouri-Kansas.

However, I could still understand your reluctance to attend Civil War if the Ducks had heinously violated some NCAA rule regarding on-field activities, like consistent malicious hits by the defense. . . if they had been involved in some unsavory off the field activity, like cheating on tests, scholastic or drug. . . if they had made negative or threatening comments in the media. . . or, well numerous other disgraceful activities. But none of these are true. Fact is, these Ducks are to blame for nothing more than leaving everything they have on the field every week, and unfortunately this year that has often included their health:

#1 (Brian Paysinger) and #2 (Cameron Colvin) WRs, out. #1 (Dennis Dixon), #2 (Brady Leaf), and #3 (Nate Costa) QBs, out. #2 (Jeremiah Johnson) RB, out. #1 (John Bacon) MLB, out. All out with season ending injuries. To turn your back on this Oregon team in their true rivalry game of the year (Washington wasn’t even a rivalry outside of Eugene until 1994 and “The Pick”) because they have sustained more season ending injuries to impact players than any other in Division I team this year is simply reproachable.

Remember, with all the injuries and misfortune, the Ducks are still in the top 20 in every poll in the country (AP, Coaches, and BCS.) And while the offense has suffered, Oregon’s defense has stepped to the call when needed. They lead the nation in tackles for loss at 9.9 per game, have allowed just one rushing TD in the last six games, rank third in the PAC-10 in Scoring Defense behind ASU and USC (both beaten by Oregon). And Oregon ranks first in the PAC-10 in Opponent Red Zone Conversions. All great stats. All the more reason to be there on Saturday when this determined and gritty team, offense and defense, healthy and injured, will participate as we defend the home field in this 111th Civil War.

After all, there hasn’t been a more important Civil War for state pride in recent history. Oregon and Oregon State are tied 5-3 in PAC-10 play. Oregon has a one game edge on Oregon State (8-3 vs. 7-4) this year overall.

If you want to forgo a game, forgo the bowl game we will go to if we do the unthinkable and lose this game at home for the first time since 1993. But if you consider Oregon your team, do not even think about abandoning them now! Don’t buy into the apathy. Sure the Ducks offense looked flat out awful from every angle last weekend on the road, but we’re at HOME this week in what is far and away the most crucial game of the season. Can you imagine an entire year with the Beavs gloating as the first ones to break the home streak? What a terrible thought. Bring the locusts, the pestilence, but don’t bring such a terrible blight upon our Ducks.

Take your tickets off Craigslist. Leave your couch unencumbered for this final game of the year. Go cheer for the Oregon defense on every down like you did when we beat Michigan in 2003, or Washington in 1994. But don’t make excuses for not attending this game. Otherwise, maybe it’s time to turn over your season tickets and pass the torch to the true fans who will stand with their team, while you lay in wait of the next bandwagon. I hear Notre Dame is taking applications. . .

I certainly hope to see, and hear you all there on Saturday during the 111th Civil War. Go Ducks.

(Sidenote: I just spoke with Reggie Jordan, our LB from our Rose Bowl season, and found out that while Kenny Wheaton wasn’t able to make it to Seattle this year, he will be in Eugene on Saturday at Civil War. That’s how important this game is.)

-Edward Jessie

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We all know it’s going to be tough for Oregon to muster enough offense to defeat the Beavers on Saturday. Some have even wondered if the Ducks will manage to score another offensive touchdown in their final two games. I wonder that as well.

But I do think there’s a way to beat the Beavers. Here’s how we do it:

On first, second and third down we take a knee. Occasionally, when the defense grows tired of getting in the ready position and the D-Line stops getting down in the 3-point stance, we hand it off to Stewart or direct-snap it to Crenshaw.

We throw in a few trick plays to entertain the bowl officials in the press box: Just before snapping it, and the entire offense stops and stares at the sideline for another read, you direct snap it to Stewart who rumbles around the corner before the defense has a chance to know what’s going on (I pulled this one from my street football days as a kid, when you’d yell “car” to let everyone know there’s a car coming and to step off the street for a moment…but there really wasn’t a car. The oldest trick in the book).

On fourth down, we punt and try to pin the Beavers near the goal line. We do this in hopes of getting a safety and taking the lead (2-0 in the bottom of the 3rd sounds good to me).

We continue this throughout the game, just like a good chess match. I’d imagine this will be slightly more fun to watch than an Autzen halftime show, where some goof ball who’s never touched a football tries to throw one at some cardboard football player. But that’s up for discussion.

If we can’t manage taking them down in regulation, we take the excitement to overtime, tied at zero. (see: Civil War, 1983, where 33, 176 witnessed a zero-zero tie at Autzen). In overtime, much like hockey or soccer, we win the kick-off. But even that won’t be easy.

This is how we can beat the Beavers on Saturday.

-RW

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Should Oregon accept or decline their bowl invitation? “The Sports Idol” Justin Myers talks about this issue in a new Duck Sports News feature, “Idol Time with Justin Myers”.

Take a listen here.

You can catch “The Sports Idol” with Justin Myers on ESPN Radio 1320 “The Score” Monday through Friday between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

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