Monday, January 10, 2011
Auburn 7 - 11 Oregon (10:58 left in 2d quarter)
From there, Oregon works it down to the six before going in on a screen pass. Oregon then runs a FAKE EXTRA POINT that turns into a two-point conversion -- an option play with the holder pitching out to the kicker, who runs it in.
Auburn 7 - 3 Oregon (11:43 left in 2d quarter)
Oregon botches the kickoff return and has to start from their own 7. But then they hit an 81-yard pass straight down the middle of the field that gives them a first and 10 at the Auburn 12.
This game is not for the faint of heart.
Auburn 7 - 3 Oregon (12:00 left in 2d quarter)
See, I told you that was a big call. On the VERY NEXT PLAY, Cam Newton hit Kodi Burns down the middle for a touchdown pass. Nice run by Burns, who started his career at Auburn as a quarterback.
Auburn 0 - 3 Oregon (12:29 left in 2d quarter)
Big call here. Auburn has driven to the Oregon 37, and Cam Newton makes a long throw down the sidelines -- where the same Oregon back who intercepted him before makes a great play and appears to come down with the ball. But the officials hold he was bobbling it. The play is reviews, and the call is confirmed. So Auburn keeps the ball.
Auburn 0 - 3 Oregon (14 minutes left in 2d quarter)
Wild game so far -- two interceptions by Oregon, one by Auburn. Finally, Oregon got going and drove down to the Auburn 3. The Tigers held, and the Ducks kicked a field goal.
Auburn v. Oregon
The Tigers and the Ducks have never played each other. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it, because culturally these teams are about as far apart as any in the BCS. Auburn is the epitome of traditional Southern football -- in fact, its fans tend to make other SEC fans look like flaky liberals. Everything about Auburn is "hard core" -- the traditions, the passion, the intensity, the controversies with the NCAA.
Oregon, on the other hand, is about as blue as a blue state gets these days, and no part of Oregon is bluer than Eugene. While Auburn's football program grows out of the intensity and loyalty of its fans, Oregon's is largely the product of one brilliant alumnus, Phil Knight of Nike. While Auburn has had the same uniforms for decades, Oregon changes uniforms -- and even team colors -- every game.
If intensity and fan loyalty made the difference, Oregon wouldn't have a chance. No one in America will care about any sporting event all year as much as Auburn fans care about this game. But one important lesson that we are taught by sports is that caring alone isn't enough. At the highest levels, you need talent as well. Auburn has Cam Newton, of course, and he is a host in and of himself. But Oregon has lots of talent -- wave after wave of really fast guys who can break a game open. Unless Oregon makes a bunch of turnovers, they should be good for at least 40 points tonight. And, in my opinion, that will be good enough for the title.
Oregon, on the other hand, is about as blue as a blue state gets these days, and no part of Oregon is bluer than Eugene. While Auburn's football program grows out of the intensity and loyalty of its fans, Oregon's is largely the product of one brilliant alumnus, Phil Knight of Nike. While Auburn has had the same uniforms for decades, Oregon changes uniforms -- and even team colors -- every game.
If intensity and fan loyalty made the difference, Oregon wouldn't have a chance. No one in America will care about any sporting event all year as much as Auburn fans care about this game. But one important lesson that we are taught by sports is that caring alone isn't enough. At the highest levels, you need talent as well. Auburn has Cam Newton, of course, and he is a host in and of himself. But Oregon has lots of talent -- wave after wave of really fast guys who can break a game open. Unless Oregon makes a bunch of turnovers, they should be good for at least 40 points tonight. And, in my opinion, that will be good enough for the title.
Oregon
Tonight, Auburn will play Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game -- which is also a UCFC game. (It's nice when it works out that way).
Oregon has only held the UCFC twice in its history. On October 23, 1954, Oregon took the crown by beating San Jose State (!) 26-7. The next week, the Ducks defended the title by beating Washington 26-7. That's it, that's the list. The next week UCLA beat Oregon 41-0, and the Ducks have never regained the title. On October 18, 1980, the Ducks tied UCFC holder USC 7-7, but of course the Trojans kept the crown. On October 2, 1993, the Ducks lost to holder Cal 42-41. That's as close as they've gotten. Their record in UCFC games is 2-13-1. But if they win tonight, these pages will be green and gold for a long time.
Oregon has only held the UCFC twice in its history. On October 23, 1954, Oregon took the crown by beating San Jose State (!) 26-7. The next week, the Ducks defended the title by beating Washington 26-7. That's it, that's the list. The next week UCLA beat Oregon 41-0, and the Ducks have never regained the title. On October 18, 1980, the Ducks tied UCFC holder USC 7-7, but of course the Trojans kept the crown. On October 2, 1993, the Ducks lost to holder Cal 42-41. That's as close as they've gotten. Their record in UCFC games is 2-13-1. But if they win tonight, these pages will be green and gold for a long time.
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