Oregon Ducks Football Campus Voice: Ducks and Huskies: Rivalry Renewed

Did anybody else feel left out of this weekend’s college football action?

I sure did.

It was exciting to watch the numerous games that TV stations had for me to witness, but I missed cheering for my beloved Ducks.

Besides my own selfish reasons, this season’s bye week came at a crucial time for Oregon and allowed for some critical recuperation. Not only physically, but mentally.

This season’s first half was extremely exhausting from the fan's point of view. I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of toll it had on the players and coaches. 

The bye week has already shown encouraging signs for the Ducks. Jeremiah Masoli returned to practicing in full pads late last week and is working on getting his knee back to full strength.

From what I have heard, Masoli should be suited up and ready to go for Saturday’s renewed rivalry against the Washington Huskies.

Washington is a team on an upward swing, despite its heartbreaking loss to Arizona State in their last contest. They will not be taken lightly by this Oregon squad.

While the Huskies, or the Fuskies to the Oregon faithful, may be having a good season, the Ducks have been feasting on Washington, winning five in a row and 10 of the last 14 games against the Huskies.

Students around Eugene do not see an easy game coming for the Ducks, however. Most are actually quite nervous and not certain what will happen come Saturday.

Obviously, a win would be perfect. But with the way the Huskies play at their raucous resort, anything can happen.

Having experienced first-hand the rowdy nature of Husky Stadium two seasons ago, I can tell you that it is extremely loud and distracting. And that was when they were horrendous!

I am very curious as to how the Ducks handle the thunderous atmosphere that will engulf them.

Those around campus see the key as being how well the Oregon offense can attack the middle-of-the-road Husky defense that has given up 195 points thus far.

The biggest task for the Ducks will be to keep quarterback Jake Locker under control. He is the one player that makes these Huskies a very dangerous team.

It is good to see that Oregon fans are not overlooking this game. Disregarding this game and gazing into the near future has disaster written all over it.

Hopefully the Ducks can follow suit, put their focus solely on Washington and keep their minds off of the behemoth match-up in two weeks against USC.

Until next time, GO DUCKS!