war of the roses

It is one of the longest-standing college rivalry football games in the United States. It is what every Oregonian knows at least something about. It is the Civil War. For the first time in the history of this ancient rivalry, which dates back to 1894 , this year's Oregon State vs. Oregon match-up will determine the Pac-10 champion, no matter who wins. This infamous game rarely has national implications, but this year it means everything to the BCS standings and to the Rose Bowl. Tonight, the Beavers and Ducks will determine their own fate. They hold their destiny in their own hands and don't have to rely on anyone else.

Gosh, I hate the Ducks. They're arrogant. They're famous for no reason. They have a rich Daddy (Phil Knight) who throws millions at their school. And so on. There are so many reasons why I don't like the Ducks, but I don't have the time nor the energy to list them all.

But no matter who we may choose to root for tonight, we can all rejoice in the fact that for the first time in years, someone other than USC will be representing the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl.

Also, in the most adorable display of innocence ever, my sweet niece Claire gave her two-cents about the game the other day. As she was vainly playing with her hair in the mirror she made a comment, half to her-self/half to whoever was listening, that went something like this...

"It seems like the Beavers are always in the Civil War no matter what!"

I don't know what else to say other than,

Let's. Go. Beavs.