If you’ve ever stood in the stands at Autzen Stadium, you know that being an Oregon Ducks fan is about a culture of speed, innovation, and some of the most electric moments in college sports history. If you’re a huge Oregon Ducks fan, we’re here to reminisce about the biggest moments in team history.
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2015 Rose Bowl: The Mariota Masterclass
The 2014 Ducks were a powerhouse, going 8-1 in the Pac-12 and bringing a 12-1 overall record to Pasadena on New Year’s Day 2015. Oregon was seen as the upstarts when they went up against Florida State, the defending national champs, led by the previous year’s Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.
The game was a tight contest until the third quarter, when the Ducks blew it wide open. Fresh from winning his own Heisman Trophy, Marcus Mariota tossed back-to-back touchdowns to Darren Carrington. The defining image of that game remains Winston’s slip and fumble, which Tony Washington returned for a touchdown to open up a four-score lead en route to a 59-20 victory and a trip to the National Championship.
Winston and Mariota went No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in that year’s NFL Draft, starting their pro careers against each other, with Mariota again coming out on top in a 42-14 win for the Tennessee Titans over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Joey’s incredible catch for the touchdown versus Texas. (Screenshot from ESPN Video)
2000 Holiday Bowl: Joey Harrington’s Triple Threat
Before Mariota, there was “Captain Comeback”, Joey Harrington. At the 2000 Holiday Bowl, Harrington proved why he was one of the most versatile players in the country. He managed a rare feat: throwing and running for touchdowns, as well as catching a touchdown pass.
Arguably the most famous trick play in Ducks history saw Harrington haul in a toss from Keenan Howry to punish a Texas turnover in memorable style. The score set up a thrilling 35-30 victory over the Longhorns, signaling Oregon’s arrival as a powerhouse in the new millennium.
The Pick (1994): The Play That Changed Everything
We don’t need to tell you about that iconic image of Kenny Wheaton rumbling in to score, or Jerry Allen reveling in a thrilling fourth-quarter pick-six over the airwaves, given both are played before every game at Autzen Stadium.
But, hey. We’re here to have fun. So, let’s do it anyway. From the depths of the Toilet Bowl, Rich Brooks restored pride and postseason ambitions in Eugene. It culminated in a trip to the 1995 Rose Bowl after a campaign that featured probably the most famous play in Ducks history.
Kenny Wheaton is gonna score! (Photo by John Giustina)
Kenny Wheaton picked off Washington Huskies’ QB Damon Huard as he closed on a lead-taking score and returned it 97 yards to turn the heartbreak on their previously dominant rivals.
Take it away, Mr Allen…
“Huard is gonna go back to throw the ball. Sets up, looks, throws toward the corner of the end-zone and it is INTERCEPTED! Intercepted! The Ducks have the ball! Down at the 35, the 40… Kenny Wheaton is gonna score! Kenny Wheaton is gonna score! 20… 15… TOUCHDOWN! Kenny Wheaton on the interception! The most improbable finish to the football game!”
Do you have a particular memory from these massive moments in Duck football history? Share them in the only free, civilized Oregon Football Message Board out there, the Our Beloved Ducks Forum!
OregonReigns
Lakeside, Oregon
Top Photo by Craig Strobeck
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OregonReigns is an occasional contributor to FishDuck and loves his Ducks!