This is it.

Courtesy of 'Building the Dam' Beaver Blog.

Actually not courtesy of them at all. I just stole it.

[The game starts at 6 pm Pacific tonight on ESPN. At this time, I'd like to just take a moment to soak in what's been happening.

A week and a half ago after Oregon beat Arizona and OSU handled WSU, the talk was that this MIGHT be the biggest Civil War in history. Not everyone was sure. Duck fans like their game in 1994. OSU fans still hold on to their victory in 2000.

But day by day, the build up poured on. The blogs, news stories, videos, great stories of Civil Wars past, game preparations, fan preparations, banners, auto flags. bumper stickers, clothing . . . . this has gone beyond the normal X and O analysis and spirited bantering between the two teams.

Everyone feels it now. We're all saying it with conviction. With kickoff still hours away, this has already become the biggest Civil War ever.

The local sportstalk radio station is committed to 30 solid hours of only Civil War talk leading up to kickoff.

KOIN TV is doing a Civil War special starting at 4:30. They are also hosting a game viewing party at the Bagdad Theater in SE Portland. The game is on ESPN, a broadcasting partner of ABC.  KOIN is CBS. Obviously they feel the public interest in the game weighs over network affiliation.

The entire state is into it. Both teams together are dedicating the game to the Oregon National Guard. The national attention is unprecedented.

I was listening to former Duck tight end Josh Wilcox on the radio last night. He was asked to compare the 1994 Civil War that sent the Ducks to the Rose Bowl to that of today. He pointed out that back then, it was a huge success that that Civil War and the game one week prior (against Arizona, I believe) were two consecutive games on ABC. Back then, that was as close to big time as Oregon could dream of.

This season, I believe only one game was not televised. And that was only because no one could stand to watch WSU, not even Coug fans.

Obviously the internet has intensified the coverage and communication a thousand-fold. But I digress . . .

My point is, let's recognize what has been achieved right now, before the coin is tossed. When you see people for the opposing team today, wish them 'good luck' of course. But then congratulate them. Celebrate with them what the two teams together have accomplished today. This evening, the state of Oregon will be the center of the football universe.

COOL!


In case you were one of the five or so Duck fans who haven't seen this yet.

Here it is. The video that has moved a generation of Duck fans. It has everything: music, dancing, the Oregon Mascot, humor, controversy (Did I mention the Oregon Mascot?). And now you can even get a T-Shirt!

I have two versions here for your viewing enjoyment. The popular original and a remix with scenes from the Arizona game added. Play them both and choose the one that better suits your style; because on this day of the greatest Civil War ever, you have a duty.

For the rest of the day, you are to play one of these videos every 30 minutes. Doesn't matter if you're at work or home, in a meeting or a bathtub. Set a 30 minute timer on your watch, and when you hear the beep, show your love for your Ducks.

Stand on your desk. Go to the window ledge. Take your laptop with you in the car and do it on the turnpike. Don't matter if you're in Oregon, Seattle, Yakima, Las Vegas, New Jersey or all points in between. Today is the day of ALL days to declare your love for your Ducks.

Sing along. Dance. Stomp. Jump. Shout. With an Autzen yell, cry "Mo, mo, mo."  Make a joyful noise. It doesn't matter. Whatever you do, do so today. Do so, NOW!

Now turn your volume up ALLLLLL THE WAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

Original: "I LOVE MY DUCKS"
by Supwitchugirl.



Remix: "I LOVE MY DUCKS"
by Supwitchugirl
Remix by DJ WiKy

Supwitchugirl - I Love My Ducks (WiKy Remix) from DJ WiKy on Vimeo.


I love my Ducks. Or as we used to say in the old days . . . .
Go Ducks.

--kb