The 11th longest rivalry in College Football will be played for a final time in the PAC-12, as the Oregon State Beavers head to Autzen Stadium to play the University of Oregon Ducks on Nov. 25.
The late-afternoon contest will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and be televised on FOX.
The No. 16 Beavers head into the contest with a record of 8-3, after losing a close game against No. 5 Washington in week 11.
Friday’s contest against the Ducks will be the second straight week the Beavers will play an opponent that is ranked top-10 nationally.
Head coach Jonathan Smith is aware of the implications of the rivalry match, “It’s a big game, all of them feel really big… I think (the players) are excited about it… they are going to be prepared to play an emotional game.”
Playing four quarters of complete football could be the key to unlocking success in all three phases of the game is crucial if the Beavers are to upset the Ducks.
“You got to play well for 4 quarters… we got a chance to get it to that point, and I think we can do it,” Smith said.
The Beavers will be led by their talisman, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The game has implications for him that are much bigger than football as he will line up against his brother, UO defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei.
Managing the emotions of the game will be difficult, but this is not DJ’s first time experiencing the intense pressure of a rivalry game week.
“I think it’s big. It’s a game, but it also means a lot to a lot of people…I want to be at my best, I want to be locked in and pay attention to the task at hand,” DJ Uiagalelei said.
The Beaver defense will be going against one of the nation’s most complete offenses in the country, led by Heisman-hopeful quarterback Bo Nix, running back Bucky Irving, and wide receiver Troy Franklin.
The Ducks lead the country in total offense, averaging 8.6 yards per offensive play this season.
OSU defensive lineman Issac Hodgins understands the challenge that the Ducks will bring, saying, “Our motto is respect all, fear none.”
Third down has been a point of emphasis for the Beaver defense all season, something that both Johnathan Smith and UO head coach Dan Lanning both pointed out.
“You’ve got a chance when you can get them off the field on third down,” Smith said.
Lanning is aware of how the Beavers will utilize third down, “They have a plethora of coverages that they’ll play, and they’ve run it effectively.”
The Beavers will have the opportunity to be the spoiler of Oregon’s postseason hopes. A Duck win on Friday will propel the squad into the PAC-12 Championship game with the possibility of playing in the College Football Playoff.
The Thanksgiving weekend features a top-20 showdown between OSU and UO that dates back to 1894. Before the ice cream scoop or the fly swatter, there was the Oregon State Vs. Oregon Rivalry Game.
There is plenty to be thankful for this year, and as fans of the game fill Autzen Stadium in Eugene, they will have one last opportunity to appreciate the beautiful rivalry one last time in the Conference of Champions.
