Here we are, the day before arguably the third-most important game in Oregon history (the two National Title games being the biggest, of course), and how the heck are we feeling, Oregon fans? Even Mr. FishDuck has the jitters, and took time from his fun at Pin-Up Casino to share his intensity for this game.
Of course, we are feeling that we want to win it all. But then there is that safety net that most of us have probably set up in our minds. “Well, as long as we have Phil’s money and Dan’s coaching, we will always have a chance to win it all, so if not this year, then maybe next year, or the year after that, or the year after that… (to eternity).”
Well, as fans, let us burn that safety net, and damn it to hell. The time is now: Let’s win it this year!
There is no dominant team in college football this year. Let us become that dominant team and grab by the horns (sorry, Texas) that ever-elusive championship trophy. Let us shut up those annoying and arrogant Husky fans up north who call us “No-Natty-U”. Let us stick it to all those across the country who think west-coast football is weak. Let us stick it to those who added Oregon to the B1G as an afterthought and make Oregon their only thought…
For as they say, the danger of waiting for tomorrow is that tomorrow might never come.
The Oregon defense will have to show up in the Rose Bowl. (Photo by Erick Becker)
Enough With the Participation Trophies
The cynic in me believes that lower-tier bowl games need to do away with the post-game trophy presentations. Yes, I know, it is really about the corporate bowl sponsor promoting its product. But, nothing could be more eye-rolling and lampoon-worthy than a 7-6 team being labeled a champion of anything but mediocrity.
Want better bowl games with fewer players opting out? In the age of NIL, they should allow bonus payouts to the players who play, with the winning players and coaches earning more with extra incentives for game MVP. The winning team’s athletic program also receives a bonus.
But, a trophy? I would settle for a firm handshake.
In my perfect world, after the victory ceremony, as the winning coach walks off the field, just before entering the tunnel to the locker room, he stops, gazes upon the “participation” trophy, shrugs his shoulders, and tosses it into a trash can.
Which is precisely where it belongs.
Darren Perkins
Spokane, WA
Top photo credit: Eric Becker
Natalie Liebhaber, the FishDuck.com Volunteer Editor for this article, works in technology in SLC, Utah
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Darren Perkins is a sales professional and 1997 Oregon graduate. After finishing school, he escaped the rain and moved to sunny Southern California where he studied screenwriting for two years at UCLA. Darren grew up in Eugene and in 1980, at the tender age of five, he attended his first Oregon football game. His lasting memory from that experience was an enthusiastic Don Essig announcing to the crowd: “Reggie Ogburn, completes a pass to… Reggie Ogburn.” Captivated by such a thrilling play, Darren’s been hooked on Oregon football ever since. Currently living in Spokane, Darren enjoys flaunting his yellow and green superiority complex over friends and family in Cougar country.