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These games are always tough and OSU was always a worthy opponent. They broke the hearts of a lot of Duck fans and the Ducks broke the hearts of a lot of Beaver fans. And now it's time to break their little Beaver hearts some more. Go Oregon!

Ooooohhhhh.... I don't know about this one. Maybe if Dan's allowed in the locker room for his pre-game pep talk before sent away. I can't see Jim Harbaugh having quite the same effect on his team as Dan seems to have on this one. If you know what I mean?

As a former Submariner I was pleased as all get-out to see this one - sent to me by a former sub mate: Army-Navy 2023: Mids' Uniforms for 'America's Game' Will Honor US Submarine Force WWW.MILITARY.COM The U.S. submarine force will be recognized during the 124th edition of the Army-Navy Game, being played Dec. 9 at the home of the New England Patriots. Navy will wear uniforms designed to... Go Navy - Beat Army!

In the age of ultra-high powered offenses (Oregon 2nd in the nation scoring 46.5 mpg) it's kinda fun to look back when Defenses completely dominated the landscape. Or was that just slow, dull, boring Offenses? 6 times in CW history, this game ended in a 0-0 tie, the last being in 1983 (remember the 'Toilet Bowl'?). Once (1896) the game ended 2-0 in Corvallis. Oregon won. Other close games were 1912: 3-0 Ducks, 1907: 4-0 Beavers, 1903: 5-0 Ducks, 1914: 3-3 tie. There were lots of other close, low scoring games. This series has for the most part always been very competitive. The Beavers have won 2 of the last three but in games where the scores were in the high 30s, mid-to-low 40s. Quite a difference. Day after tomorrow, we're likely to see another game in the 30s & 40s. Do we as fans like these high scoring games? Or would we like to see another 2-0 slugfest? I kinda know what you guys would like: 42-0 Oregon. But that's not very likely, alas. GO DUCKS!

This is good news for Oregon, for sure. If they win out (assuming the Wazzu Cougars don't upset UW) they will be beating a #4 team. Voila!

Yet, you were so confident on another post! ?? Smart decision to keep the wallet closed until the ink dries on this one. Besides, it's unlikely the game will sell out. I was map-questing the distance from my house to Las Vegas because I no longer like to fly if I can avoid it. 900 miles! Yikes...2 days down, 2 days back. 5 days minimum.

My favorite Beaver memories: Well, I'd have to say watching the "Great Pumpkin' roaming the sidelines. I kinda miss 'ol Dee Andros. He was Oregon's watered-down version of Mike Leach.

I like your confidence DD, but right now the Ducks had just better beat the Oregon State Beavers. One step at a time. As you so rightly say "no hyperbole, no smack talking. It's just a fact."

I'm taking back my comments here on the forum where I stated that I thought it unlikely that Beaver coach Johnathan Smith was going anywhere after the season. I thought he was pretty much entrenched in Corvallis. This morning I heard a sound bite on KPNW radio where Smith, when asked about being approached by other schools, gave a rather disturbing answer (if you're a Beaver fan) about his "not wanting to be sarcastic" etc. "but isn't that what coaches have agents for?" If his agent is earning his money (which is a lot) than he had better be out there exploring the landscape for opportunities. Or words to that effect. Sounds like he might be looking to jump ship for greener pastures. Either that or this is one huge sandbag job. If I were a Beaver fan, (a serious Beaver fan, that is) then I'd be more than a little nervous right now. I wonder how this will affect the team's morale - if any at all?

I'm just a bit tired of hearing the phrase "nobody wants to play Oregon right now." It was great when we first heard it a few weeks ago but it's getting old. Right now I can think of one team that is chomping at the bit to get on the field against Oregon: The Oregon State Beavers. That said, it is nice to hear the plaudits even if one of the pundits (McElroy) can't seem to remember that some of the teams no longer in the top 25 are gone because Oregon sent them packing with their tail between their legs. I don't usually agree with Herbstreit, and think he'll turn on Oregon in a NY minute should something bad happen - claiming never to have thought they were really deserving of #6, but his opinion probably holds the most weight of the three here mentioned. Thanks Charles.

Since Oregon is going to win this game - my life may depend on it - I am curious as to what would constitute a "moral victory" for the Beavers? Well, since Oregon is the ONLY team in the FBS with at least 30 points scored in every game this year, holding Bo & Co. to < 30 might be one. And since Oregon is in 2nd place nationally with just T.O.'s forcing a T.O. might be one. And since Oregon is averaging just 16.1 points allowed per game, if the Beavs score 17 or more, that might be one. And since Odds Shark has the Ducks favored by -14 scoring even 15 points might be one. And since Oregon leads the nation in scoring margin of 29.8 points, losing by 'only' 28 points to the Ducks might be one. And since Oregon leads the nation in fewest sacks allowed, getting a couple sacks might be one. And since Oregon leads the nation in the number of 1st-downs per game at 27, allowing O only 26 might be one. And since Oregon leads the Pac-12 with fewest passing yards allowed of 214 per game, passing for 215 might be one. But since Oregon is going to rout the Beavers, none of the above stats matter except the final score. 45-24 Oregon. Ducks win. Sorry OSU.

It's fitting, imo, that this be the uniform they wear Friday night - possibly the last Civil War, at least for the foreseeable future. I'd have preferred yellow but this is the better choice. May the Beavers come in their traditional colors as well and not some ridiculous variation there-of. Finish this tradition the right way. Finish it with a win for Oregon! Go Ducks - Beat the Beavers!

Amazing, yes. Points per game similar to Kelly's years. Rushing YPG, a little better in the Kelly years but Passing YPG much better in the Lanning years. This is because of the incredible balance the Ducks have with Bo Nix quarterbacking the Offense right now. Opponent defenses can't sell out for one phase or the other. Yards per play better than both the Kelly & Helfrich years. Overall, the offense is as good or better than anything Kelly or Helfrich ever had. TD% is way, way up! The Efficiency ratings for this Lanning/Stein Offense is bordering on frightening. Frightening for opponent's defenses. Who really knew a Defensive guru like Dan Lanning would be able to jump start the Ferrari and actually speed it up? He's found Oregon another gear.

Quite frankly, at some of the positions, it's almost as if O doesn't have "2s and 3s" but several great players at multiple positions. I can't tell, except by number, who's on the starting lineup and who's subbing in to: A) change the Defense and/or Offense, or B) rest players at various positions to keep them fresh and strong throughout the entire game. There's little to no drop-off with all these roster changes throughout the game until the last qtr when the "subs' are getting a rest for the younger players to get game experience. The depth on this team is something I can never recall Oregon having. I've been watching the Ducks play football for decades.

Another good article by David. I snipped this little piece out from the end of the article. "It is going to be a tough game in Autzen this Friday against a good Oregon State team, but Lanning’s Ducks should handle them and maybe even give Nix a rest on the sideline before the final whistle." If there's ONE major difference (there are others) that separates this year's team from last year's team it's the way they're playing so far in November. Ie. the way they're playing at the end of the season. This team is getting stronger and stronger as the season progresses. I can't ever remember that happening quite as starkly as this for a very long time. This last game should give us a very good idea of just how much stronger they are this year.

To the 1st sentence above, many (honest) pundits have already admitted the Pac-12 is either the best or almost the best conference this year, - though it comes a little late for that to matter, now. The Pac has committed suicide and blown itself into bits and pieces. To the 2nd sentence - I agree 100% (and I suspect just about every Ducks fan does as well). It's the very definition of the so-called "Eye Test" if such a test has any effect on the Playoff committee. Two dominant wins, if achievable, would look much better than two close squeakers regardless of how unrealistic that is. It seems to be what the committee wants to see: dominant wins (Texas excepted).

I'd almost (almost!) agree with you here on Louisville-FSU but I think FSU still wins this game. Darn it. FSU's backup QB will be just enough to usher FSU along, but barely. I'm crossing my fingers & holding out hope I'm totally wrong on this but I can't see Louisville besting FSU. Darn it.

Jon, for me the "Eye Test" in this next game would be a performance like we saw in Tempe where the Ducks jump out on top first and never look back. OSU is much better than ASU so this game won't be a run-away like that one; but to "pass the eye test" Oregon needs to win this one without any doubt. No last second heroics to pull it out of the fire. No letting OSU dictate the pace of the game or hold the lead even, for more than just a series. Oregon also probably needs to "cover the spread" that Vegas has assigned it (-13.5) regardless of whether or not the O/U is met or exceeded. In other words: it needs to be a decisive, conclusive win with Oregon clearly the dominant team. I'm hoping/guessing 45-24 or some such. While any win is a good win, and even a one point win will move Oregon along to a rematch with UW, if we're discussing "Eye Test" for the CFP Selection Committee, Oregon needs to make this game a backbreaker for the Beavers. Otherwise, I fear Texas, with it's early season win over a then-struggling Alabama will threaten Oregon's position with the Committee. It shouldn't - but Alabama has a lot of clout with the CFP boys. Unless, of course, Oregon in a rematch can throttle UW decisively. Which I think they just might. Then what, CFP? They'd have made their own bed (building up UW) and now they couldn't deny a surging Oregon. All just my own opinion - for whatever that's worth... There's a lot of football yet to be played to get Oregon that far.

There are other traditions associated only with the annual Army-Navy game that make it special. I share three of the best here: The Prisoner Exchange Before the game kicks off, seven West Point cadets and seven Annapolis midshipmen will march to midfield in Philadelphia to be returned to their home military academies. These "prisoners" were sent to their rival service academies in the Service Academy Exchange Program, which sends students from each of four service academies (along with West Point and Annapolis, the Air Force Academy and the Coast Guard Academy also participate) for the fall semester. The prestigious, competitive exchange program began its semester-long life in 1975 and has remained the same ever since. Each academy sends seven sophomore students to the other academies. The "Prisoner Exchange" allows the visiting cadets and mids to sit with their team's fans. The Army-Navy Drumline Battle At the Army-Navy game, there's more confrontation than just what happens on the football field. Before the game, the bands representing each branch engage in a drumline – one as much about showmanship as it is about skills with the sticks. "The March On" Before the kickoff of every Army-Navy game, the cadets of the U.S. Military Academy and the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy take the field. No, not just the teams playing the game that day, the entire student body — thousands of people — march on the field in the way only drilled and trained U.S. troops can. These games also feature some of the least-penalized games you're like to see - not that passions don't run high. GO NAVY

As much as I love watching the Ducks & Beavers play the best rivalry game out there (imo) is the Army-Navy game. I've already commented here on that game and how we submariners while serving in the Pacific were treated to "live" updated feeds while at sea; so important was this game considered by the Armed Forces for troop & sailor morale. The spectacle on TV is always stirring. The tradition at the end of the game known as ' Honoring the Fallen' is one of CFB's greatest moments, imo: "No matter what the outcome of the game, the players sing both teams' alma maters. The winners will join the losing team, facing the losing side's fans. Then, the two groups will do the same for the winning team. It's a simple act of respectful sportsmanship that reminds everyone they're on the same side." It's is as noble a gesture as there is in all of College Football. This year, as always, GO NAVY - BEAT ARMY! GO USA

I'm assuming this means it's an offer for a lateral move - ie as the new USC D.C., not H.C. The posting doesn't specify.

Yes, I understand all that but what constitutes the "eye test"? Does Oregon need to win by 15, 25, 35? Does Bo need 6 more TD's? (won't happen) Does covering the -13.5 points pass? Does it mean TT gets into the game again like last Saturday and takes the knee to end the contest? Or does any win make it a pass? I'm not trying to be contentious - just curious as to what you think Oregon has to do Friday to pass an eye test with the selection committee.

Ok, Jon time to put you to the test. What would Oregon have to do to win the "eye test" in your opinion. They're currently favored by -13.5. Vegas is predicting a win but the Beavers to cover. They're also taking the Over (62). What passes the "eye test" (assuming they aren't upset) ? My guess: 45-24 Oregon. State won't cover.

Seriously? Wow, I can't think of another season in the last ___ that OSU would be able to say that. Makes me wonder what the odds would be if this game were in Corvallis instead.

It a small price to pay for a chance to win a championship - The LAST Pac-12 Championship. That should boost recruiting.