Watching The Big Duck Game

I have a few comments on the game, but first I want to comment on watching the game.  For most of us not fortunate enough to watch the game in Autzen Stadium, or even live on the west coast, the obvious question is, "can we watch the game" and "where can we watch the game?"  To me, there has been some question on this through this week depending on where you live. 

The game at one time was to be on ESPN nationwide.  That was changed to ABC, which as I'm sure you all know is associated with ESPN.  The problem is, its "regional" coverage.  Almost half of Americans will tune into their local ABC channel and see Texas vs. Oklahoma State.  I live in Texas and this is the case.

ESPN HAD listed the game as a Gameplan option, but it was not listed on channel guides and by this morning the Gameplan logo had been taken off.  DirectTV channel 211 had the game listed, but that channel is not always available everywhere.  ESPN2 had "USC at Oregon" or "Texas at Oklahoma State" listed but didn't specify which one or where each game would be seen.  I have seen the same game on ESPN2 and my local ABC station.

So I found the answer today (I hope).  If you do not get the game on your local ABC station it will be seen on ESPN2 in your market and vice versa.  It seems simple, but ESPN has not made this obvious through most of the week.  They have simply listed the game as ABC.

So it seems if you get ESPN2 you will get to see the game wherever you live.  College football fans now get to see more games than ever now.  There are some who would prefer only local teams by seem and no options for advertising reasons.  ESPN does a good job and I appreciate the Network, and maybe I'm the only one who found problems with the listings, but I don't want to worry about being able to even see the game.

On to the game, most everything has been said that can be said.  Oregon must rattle Barkley, vary the defense, blitz and not give up big plays.  On offense (and special teams) there must be few or no turnovers.  Masoli must play the way he has the last 3 games and Chip Kelley must open up the play book and be more creative than usual.

If all goes well, by late Saturday night, Oregon will be celebrating a huge win and a big step towards their first Rose Bowl berth in 15 years.