It may be politically incorrect to call Saturday’s game with the Beavers the ‘Civil War’, but those Oregonians who appreciate the history of this rivalry simply don’t care.
It’s mean.
It’s nasty.
It’s a year of extreme and boastful bragging rights.
And it’s a game that every family across the State of Oregon has a stake in.
Again, it may be politically incorrect these days to continue labeling this historic matchup the ‘civil war’, but for fans across the state, and former players who have played in this game, that moniker will never change.
“It certainly does to me” explained Oregon head coach Dan Lanning when he was asked Monday if Saturday’s game against the Beavers still feels like a rivalry even though it’s being played in September.
“The rivalry is something I always appreciate. I think that’s what makes college football fun. I think those things are a lot of fun. And this is a game that has been back and forth for us.
“Year one we weren’t able to pull it out. Last year we were. This is a fun game for the State of Oregon. It’s certainly a fun game for our players. I think they know exactly what it means. It means a little bit more.”
A lot of Monday’s presser also concentrated on the situational woes of the Ducks offensive line which has already given up 7 sacks, ( in two games ) for a total loss of 55 yards.
“Well you just don’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result” said Lanning when he was asked about the cohesive play, or lack of, between QB Dillon Gabriel and the offensive line.
“I think we have to adapt to his skill set and also to our players here. There’s certainly some similar schemes we’re using this year that we used last year as well. It’s also one of the things that when you put it on film and somebody takes advantage of it they’re going to continue to find ways to attack it.
“We have to challenge ourselves to do something differently schematically and change some of those things.”
( MONDAY BRIEFING ) DAN LANNING DISCUSSES MATCHUP WITH OREGON STATE