What is Your All Time Favorite Ducks Game?

[30Duck]

Depending on how long you've been a fan of the Ducks, you could have a lot of options. Or maybe you're new, maybe not as many, but still a lot to pick from.  For me it's easy. Date: Feb,16, 1974, Location Mac Court, (The Pit) Oregon 56 UCLA 51. Bruce Coldren couldn't miss! Wooden always hated playing Oregon, especially at Mac Court, Walton loved it. 

 

There wasn't, won't ever be, an experience in sports like The Pit, during the Kamikaze Era. Scoreboard bouncing on its cables overhead, the backboards shaking, decibel level? Who knows, but you couldn't hear the guy next to you. The Ducks lined up on the midcourt line during the pre-game drills. The visiting team was introduced first. none of that alternating like it's done now, then the Ducks were introduced, and the last player was Ronnie Lee.

 

[Washington Waddler]

     A Wow moment for me will always be the 1980 Reggie Ogburn-led 34-10 beat down of Don James’ 13th ranked Huskies in Seattle. 

[David Marsh]

2015 Rose Bowl against Florida State... That was an incredible game. 

 

2014 Michigan State was really good too. 

 

I just like the 2014 team. 

[30Duck]

On 9/17/2024 at 11:21 AM, Washington Waddler said:

A Wow moment for me will always be the 1980 Reggie Ogburn-led 34-10 beat down of Don James’ 13th ranked Huskies in Seattle. 

I was at that game, in full Duck gear!!!

[JabbaNoBargain]

I mean, for me it begins and ends with UW '94, amazing finish that reverberated way beyond the game itself. Cliche right?

 

Some random moments that stuck with me:

 

At the individual level, UCLA in '98 is one that stands out. Reuben Droughns playing with a broken leg was an all-time epic effort for me, even though we ended up losing in OT.

 

Gregg Trapp sending UCLA to OT from behind the backboard in 1984.

 

3OT win over USC in 1999 stands out as well

 

 

Edited September 17 by JabbaNoBargain

[Washington Waddler]

On 9/17/2024 at 12:16 PM, 30Duck said:

I was at that game, in full Duck gear!!!

     I’m emerald green with envy!

[30Duck]

On 9/17/2024 at 12:16 PM, JabbaNoBargain said:

UW '94, amazing finish

The most improbable ending to a football game!

[Santa Rosa Duck]

November 3, 2012 my wife and I had great seats at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch our DUCKS beat USC 62-51. Kenjon Barner produced the greatest running back performance I have ever seen in person. 321 yards on 38 carries for an 8.4 yard average per carry. Marcus Mariota goes 20 for 23 and 304 yards. The USC fans surrounding us were gracious with thoughts like "We hope Oregon goes all the way". But it was not to be.

[Steven A]

Besides being at Autzen for the first time since matriculating in '72 (graduating for you Jimmy Lake aficionados) for the '94 ewe dub game, 1970 Oregon 41, UCLA 40

1970 was the Ducks’ first winning season in six years, the program experiencing some down years since the highs of the 1963 season, which featured two future NFL Hall of Famers in Dave Wilcox and Mel Renfro and culminated in a Sun Bowl victory over SMU. Sophomore quarterback Dan Fouts, who emerged as a star after an injury to Tom Blanchard, was joined by running back Bobby Moore (now Ahmad Rashad) and wide receiver Bob Newland to form a lethal Oregon offense.

 

After a 2-1 start, the Ducks traveled to Los Angeles to take on UCLA at the Coliseum (UCLA didn’t begin playing their regular season games at the Rose Bowl until the 1980s). The Bruins had a significant 40-21 lead over Oregon in the fourth quarter, the game seemingly over until the Ducks launched what may be the greatest comeback in program history.

 

Bobby Moore punched in two quick late touchdowns to make the game 40-35, and the Ducks proceeded to recover an onside kick. Although Fouts had been knocked unconscious earlier in the game, he came back in and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Greg Specht to win the game 41-40.

 

This game was one of the biggest wins in the Ducks’ first successful season since 1963. While the 1970 season was both immediately preceded and followed by struggles, superstars like Fouts and Moore proved in this game that Oregon was a threat to beat any team at any time.

 

Also see 

 

10 Games That Changed Oregon Football | FishDuck

FISHDUCK.COM

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The University of Oregon football program has reached unprecedented levels of success in recent years. Head coach Chip Kelly has taken the Ducks to three…

 

[cartm25]

Can't limit this to one, sorry. Here are the games I could watch highlights of on a loop, all day every day:

 

2007 - vs. Michigan - Two statue of liberty plays; one real, one fake . . . all in front of 100+k fans live, and viewed nationwide.

2009 - vs. USC - Halloween Night in college and I was screaming at my TV while all my roommates were out partying and I ignored trick-or-treaters.

2010 - vs. Tennessee - Scored in nearly every way possible: LMJ 70+ yard TD run, Punt Return, Kick Return, Pick-6 . . . Glorious day against the SEC!!

2010 - vs. Stanford - Got down big at half, looked daunting against recent nemesis, stormed back and sealed it with a HUGE LaMichael James TD run.

2011 - vs. Wisconsin - Rose Bowl win . . . and DAT was electric.

2014 - vs. FSU - So satisfying to humiliate Jameis Winston on such a big stage.

 

[Annie]

Well, the most memorable is the 2000 Holiday Bowl where Oregon beat Texas and Joey scored on a pass, run, and reception. Also, 95% of the TX fans were insufferable the whole time we were in San Diego, so very satisfying to see them slinking out of the stadium after the game as the Duck fans stayed to watch the fireworks.

 

Also, it was just a wonderful trip with my dear husband, and a memory I revisit often.

[1Ducker1]

the FSU game.

 

[Charles Fischer]

So predictable as a choice, but "The Pick" occurred in front of me, and I've never heard the crowd so loud.  The Michigan game at home with Keith Smith blocking the punt in front of me and it being recovered in the end zone for a touchdown was also a life-event.

 

Keith Smith

 

[30Duck]

The reactions of the Kansas State fan and coaches after Dat returned the opening kickoff in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl is priceless.

 

 

 

[ColoradoDuck]

Don't remember the year... 3OT win at AZ, one of Masoli's games. Was the game that made me a ducks fan. 

[Charles Fischer]

On 9/17/2024 at 6:36 PM, ColoradoDuck said:

Don't remember the year... 3OT win at AZ, one of Masoli's games. Was the game that made me a ducks fan. 

 

I remember it well....epic!

 

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

On 9/17/2024 at 9:24 PM, 30Duck said:

The reactions of the Kansas State fan and coaches after Dat returned the opening kickoff in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl is priceless.

 

 

 

This lady seemed a little verklempt due to the opening six seconds of the game.

 

 

 

 

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but the most satisfying was the 2020 Rose Bowl win vs. Wisconsin. It was a very ugly game offensively, but watching those Seniors hoist the trophy after what they had been through as Freshmen was great to see.

[30Duck]

Oregon-Arizona 2009 Epic!

A lot of Jeff Maehl and Nate Costa's snap save on the extra point that sent the game to OT!

 

 

[Drake]

So many great games. The pick started the ball rolling for me in football. 
 

1999 never ending 3 OT win at home against USC in 1999.

 

The come from behind win at home against Oklahoma and Adrian Peterson was fun. A questionable onside kick is recovered and the Ducks pull out the comeback win 34 - 33. 
 

Kenyon Barner rushes for 321 yards against USC at the Coliseum. 

 

[EastBayDuckDad]

I'm gonna stick to the games I actually attended.

 

2012 Rose Bowl.. We were sitting about 50 rows up behind the Oregon bench and you could see the Chipster's bald spot under his visor when he went vertical after Michael Clay recovered the Wisconsin fumble on the sideline. Kiko like a cruise missle intercepting the Russell Wilson pass. That and DAT's 91yd TD run up the middle.

 

2013 Fiesta Bowl.. DAT again on that 94 yd opening kickoff return TD. We were only 20 rows up on the Oregon side at the 20yd line and had a fantastic view of DAT doing the chest lean at the goal line. The holy s**t response from the KState fans was a marvel. Kiko again like a cruise missile delivering a shot on QB Klein to stuff a 4th and 1.

 

2015 Rose Bowl-NC Semi.. The posterizing of Famous Jameis with the fumble recovery for a TD and the complete capitulation of that FSU team once Oregon had them on the ropes.

[QuackyQuack]

Great topic and put a big smile on my face reading all of the comments. 
 

This made me realize how lucky I have been over the years to attend so many of the games mentioned:

 

- 1999 3OT game against USC. I was 10 at the time and my family left the game a little early as it was looking like the game was over. The Ducks made an epic comeback and we watched the rest of the game in the parking lot with some RV tailgaters while still hearing Autzen roar in the background. I will never let my dad live that down. 
 

- 2002 Fiesta Bowl. After Oregon was ranked #2 in AP and Coaches poll. The dumb BCS computer put us #4 (although we probably dodged a bullet by not having to play that Miami team). Oregon came out and dominated the Buffs and showed the Country we belonged with the big boys. 

 

- 2012 @ USC - was in college in Southern California and went to this game with my college GFs dad who was a USC fan. Kenjon ran for 5 TDs and Oregon dominated. Loved every second of the silent drive back home. 

2020 Rosebowl - tailgated this game with my wife and 6 of our friends who were not Oregon fans but they all showed up decked out in Duck gear as they knew how much I loved our ducks. Herby did his thing and was an amazing night. We always looked back at this game as the last big thing we did before COVID hit. 
 

[Jemangi]

Rose Bowl agains Fl St..

[Wood Duck]

"The pick" game is obvious, but that aside, it's a tough choice for me between the Halloween game vs USC and the Rose Bowl vs Fla. State.

Oh, those two beat-downs were delicious!

[noDucknewby]

Great memories for sure!  I have a couple of personal favorites:

 

2009 the Civil War for the Roses, winner take all.  With a 4-point lead Chip masterfully runs the last 9 or so minutes off the clock culminating in a fourth down conversion where Masoli absolutely levels the rodent safety to ice it.  Sitting in the stands with my brother, just watching the clock tick off those final seconds as the crowd goes nuts.  Still gives me goose bumps.

 

2010 top-ten matchup against Stanford, down 21-3 in the first half.  Oregon gets a TD then Chip goes for the onside kick and gets another to close the gap at halftime.  In the second half LaMike pulls off a 76-yard TD to turn the game into a blowout.  Doubly good day, we caught two steelhead that morning in the Willamette, one right underneath the Autzen footbridge.  If that's not a sign then I don't what is!

 

And yes Fright Night was amazing too as others have said.  Damn the stadium felt like it was going into orbit there was so much energy.

Edited September 18 by noDucknewby

[Drake]

On 9/17/2024 at 6:59 PM, Charles Fischer said:

 

I remember it well....epic!

 

Great picture. Is that Ed Dickson after his TD catch on 4th down? 
 

The students had piled out of the stands to rush the field. You can see them on the sidelines. 
 

That is the year we had to win out after losing a shoot out with Stanford for a Rose Bowl berth. Masoli then ended the rodents bid for an upset by trucking the DB on 4th down to ice game.

 

Won the last two games by a total of 7 points. 
 

Great memories.
 

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 9/18/2024 at 12:41 PM, Drake said:

Great picture. Is that Ed Dickson after his TD catch on 4th down? 

Yep.  Remember how he was shaking as he exulted?  Whew!

[David Marsh]

On 9/17/2024 at 6:36 PM, ColoradoDuck said:

Don't remember the year... 3OT win at AZ, one of Masoli's games. Was the game that made me a ducks fan. 

The 2015 Vernon Adams 3OT win over Arizona State was also pretty incredible. 

 

I remember that one being a Thursday night and I was annoyed that I had to work in the morning. At least we won.

[mikethehiker]

On 9/17/2024 at 3:12 PM, cartm25 said:

Can't limit this to one, sorry. Here are the games I could watch highlights of on a loop, all day every day:

 

2007 - vs. Michigan - Two statue of liberty plays; one real, one fake . . . all in front of 100+k fans live, and viewed nationwide.

2009 - vs. USC - Halloween Night in college and I was screaming at my TV while all my roommates were out partying and I ignored trick-or-treaters.

2010 - vs. Tennessee - Scored in nearly every way possible: LMJ 70+ yard TD run, Punt Return, Kick Return, Pick-6 . . . Glorious day against the SEC!!

2010 - vs. Stanford - Got down big at half, looked daunting against recent nemesis, stormed back and sealed it with a HUGE LaMichael James TD run.

2011 - vs. Wisconsin - Rose Bowl win . . . and DAT was electric.

2014 - vs. FSU - So satisfying to humiliate Jameis Winston on such a big stage.

 

This is an outstanding list!  Like you read my mind on all of them.

 

2002 Fiesta Bowl vs #3 Colorado.  #2 Oregon won 38-16 - One I haven't seen mentioned is 2001 season ending win in Joey Harrington's swan song that quite literally ended Colorado's run as a football power.  Colorado was the talk of college football outside of #1 Miami after steamrolling Nebraska and clipping Texas for the Big 12 Title. Oregon's dilemma broke the BCS computer-only formula as #4 Nebraska jumped #2Oregon for a spot in the National Championship.  They returned with a human poll element into the equation the next year.

[Edit: @QuackyQuack, did already flag this game.  My bad)

 

Most Inexplicable Game:  2001 vs. Stanford at home blowing a 14-point 4th quarter lead including a blocked punt (42-49).

Most Stressful Game:  2011 vs. Auburn for the National Championship.  Every. Single. Snap.

Edited September 18 by mikethehiker

[30Duck]

On 9/17/2024 at 3:12 PM, cartm25 said:

 

2007 - vs. Michigan - Two statue of liberty plays; one real, one fake . . . all in front of 100+k fans live, and viewed nationwide.

2007, the season that could have changed everything. As much as a player had the Heisman and the team had the Natty wrapped up by game 10, it was Dixon and the 2007 Oregon Ducks.

[Autzen Magic]

I've really enjoyed a lot of the games previously mentioned -- the 2002 Fiesta Bowl blowout of Colorado, the 2011 Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin (I got teary eyed in the stands) and the 2015 Rose Bowl win over Florida State.

 

The 1997 win at Fusky Stadium and the 2006 win over Oklahoma also rank way up there for me.

 

But I think my all-time favorite Duck victory is the 1990 win over the #4 ranked BYU Cougars.  Very few people gave the Ducks any chance.  The weather was perfect.  The atmosphere was electric.  The crowd was loud. B - Y - WHO???   B - Y - WHO???  The Ducks dominated and the post-game parties (I was 21 years old) were epic.  Great memories.

 

 

 

[cartm25]

On 9/18/2024 at 4:35 PM, mikethehiker said:

This is an outstanding list!  Like you read my mind on all of them.

 

2002 Fiesta Bowl vs #3 Colorado.  #2 Oregon won 38-16 - One I haven't seen mentioned is 2001 season ending win in Joey Harrington's swan song that quite literally ended Colorado's run as a football power.  Colorado was the talk of college football outside of #1 Miami after steamrolling Nebraska and clipping Texas for the Big 12 Title. Oregon's dilemma broke the BCS computer-only formula as #4 Nebraska jumped #2Oregon for a spot in the National Championship.  They returned with a human poll element into the equation the next year.

[Edit: @QuackyQuack, did already flag this game.  My bad)

 

Most Inexplicable Game:  2001 vs. Stanford at home blowing a 14-point 4th quarter lead including a blocked punt (42-49).

Most Stressful Game:  2011 vs. Auburn for the National Championship.  Every. Single. Snap.

Great minds think alike!

 

The 2002 Fiesta Bowl is a great call by you. In fact, that should have made my list.

 

I didn't grow up with cable, so it wasn't until I was in college circa 2007 that I could follow the Ducks more closely, but the 2002 Fiesta Bowl was one of the most memorable games for me as well.

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

In the 2009 Civil War Masoli converted his 4th down with about 3:30 left in the game. Barner picked up the final 4th and 2 play with about 1:30 left to ice it. Masoli kneeled it out after Barner’s 4th down conversion.

[cartm25]

On 9/18/2024 at 4:55 PM, 30Duck said:

2007, the season that could have changed everything. As much as a player had the Heisman and the team had the Natty wrapped up by game 10, it was Dixon and the 2007 Oregon Ducks.

It's still sad to think about it today.

 

Not a single team in the nation knew what to do with the Ducks that year . . . but fate had other, nefarious, plans for Dennis Dixon.

 

Oh how my soul yearns to see what might have been if not for such a fickle thing as an ACL.

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

On 9/18/2024 at 7:55 PM, cartm25 said:

It's still sad to think about it today.

 

Not a single team in the nation knew what to do with the Ducks that year . . . but fate had other, nefarious, plans for Dennis Dixon.

 

Oh how my soul yearns to see what might have been if not for such a fickle thing as an ACL.

It’s hard to believe how much of a difference a Heisman level QB can make in college football. There are a few cases in the NFL where teams can overcome an injured QB and still win the Super Bowl. Jeff Hostetler and Nick Foles come to mind as back-ups who won the championship.

[Annie]

On 9/18/2024 at 4:36 PM, Autzen Magic said:

...

 

But I think my all-time favorite Duck victory is the 1990 win over the #4 ranked BYU Cougars.  Very few people gave the Ducks any chance.  The weather was perfect.  The atmosphere was electric.  The crowd was loud. B - Y - WHO???   B - Y - WHO???  The Ducks dominated and the post-game parties (I was 21 years old) were epic.  Great memories.

 

 

 

My husband was on the sidelines for that game as a guest faculty coach. Now I think guest coaches (if they still have them) sit up in the enclosed seats somewhere.

[30Duck]

October 1, 1994, Oregon @ USC. Tony Graziani filling in for Danny O'Neil at QB, Ducks win, 22-7.

 

 

 

[30Duck]

1995 Oregon @ UCLA The "Pick" was, "The most improbable ending to a football game!" But, a year later, this ending, was literally the ending of the game, and the Ducks are wearing the uniform combination Jordan Kent says he wants to see, on "Talkin' Ducks". Next game is at UCLA.

 

 

[30Duck]

Pritchard "Owns" the Huskies!