Chins Up, Duck Fans: Why Oregon Fans Should Still Be Proud

I'm not going to lie: When the clock hit 0:00 and Auburn had just kicked their last-second field goal to win the National Championship, I went on an expletive-laden rant about something or other.  

But a few hours after the game, it occurred to me that despite the loss, this was still a remarkable season for the Ducks. 

Sure, it's easy to say "they tried their best" and hand the Ducks those participation trophies from Little League, but my point is that the Ducks didn't just do their best.  

They did really damn good. They were fast, they scored in bunches and they left no doubt in 11 of their 12 regular season wins. They should finish the season as one of the TWO Pac-10 teams ranked in the top five.  

That is absolutely crazy. 

And as far as next year is concerned, the Ducks are in a pretty decent position. Sure, there are some key players graduating, but the Ducks will have an embarrassment of riches in the backfield once again, with LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and now the added wrinkles of Lache Seastrunk and Dontae Williams.  

Then there's Cliff Harris, arguably the most exciting player in college football. He's not the best, but his athleticism and riskiness mean he is always in a position to do something to make you go "wow," and he showed that in the title game. 

For now, it still hurts a little too much to think about next year, but hear this: The Ducks WILL be back next year and they WILL be for real.