Why Oregon-Oregon State Is a State of War Worth Watching

In 1983, two teams took the field decked out in what was quite possibly the worst uniform combination college football has ever seen.  You'd think that the hideous unis would be the worst part.  However, the 0-0 tie that followed proved to be much more painful to watch.

Deemed "The Toilet Bowl," the '83 Civil War will forever be remembered as the worst college football game ever played.  The two teams had a combined record of 6-14 and played like it.  Turnovers owned the day amidst a downpour in Eugene. 

Fast forward to 2007, and the story going into the Civil War was much different.  Although diamond plating, highlighter yellow, and "man bras" provided another horrible pair of jerseys, the teams boasted 8-3 (UofO) and 7-4 (OSU) records. 

The history of the Civil War is one that many people east of the Rockies don't know much about.  The rivalry spans over 114 years and is the seventh-oldest rivalry in college football. 

Oregon leads the overall series at 55-46-10.  Oregon State owned the series between 1936 and 1974, while Oregon proved dominant from that point until the 1998 season.  (Not played in 1900, 1901, 1911, 1943, and 1944.)

As of late, both teams have had their share of success   Since 2000 both teams have made a BCS Bowl, as well as a Sun Bowl appearance.  OSU has a 5-1 bowl record since 2000.  Oregon hasn't fared so well at 3-4 in their bowl appearances.

Either way, both teams are regulars during the December/January finale.  (OSU went missing in 2001 and 2005 and UofO missed out in 2004.)

In the state of Oregon, you're either a Beaver or a Duck.  Families are split in half, sporting OSU Orange/Black or Duck Green/Yellow.  Online forums are littered with "coulda, shoulda, wouldas" and "remember that?"  Although not always civil, it's entertaining to say the least.

Oregon and Oregon State have battled for over a century, and the rivalry is as intense as it has ever been.  If you live on the East Coast, I strongly encourage you to stay awake and watch these two teams play. 

Spread offenses create excitement, and fast aggressive defenses provide a great counter-punch to the offensive firepower.  Players play with passion, and the teams are well coached.   Coaches Mike Riley and Mike Bellotti are atop the Pac-10 when talking about coaching prestige.

The last two matchups have come down to the wire and have redefined November drama.  OSU has edged out UofO and won three out of the last four, most notably last year's double overtime victory on the road. 

At the end of the year, this game usually determines which team will finish higher in conference and also has a great impact on which bowl they will be selected to. 

What more could you ask for in a rivalry?