As the Beavers are poised to tally yet a fifth consecutive losing season, and another season without a home conference win, the 122nd Civil War matchup lacks the drama and sense of importance seen in years past. It’s a disappointment for the nation’s longest running college football rivalry —  a disappointment, due in large part, to Oregon State’s poor performance over the past decade. To put it bluntly, the Civil War is now nothing but a one-sided squabble over bragging rights.

In 2016, the Beavers ended their season at home with an upset win over the Ducks. Though they didn’t even earn five wins on the season, there was hope in second-year Head Coach Gary Andersen leading the program. 

Then 2017 happened. 

OSU Football fell into one of their worst season performances in school history. With Andersen’s midseason departure, the Beavers dropped to a 1-11 overall record that was capped off with a 69-10 loss to UO at Autzen Stadium. 

Fans needed something to look forward to for the 2018 season, and that call was answered. The hiring of former OSU quarterback Jonathan Smith as the new head coach once again ignited hope in the eyes of students and fans alike. 

When Smith first walked on as a player in 1997, he became the No. 1 signal caller snd completely turned the program around, eventually earning OSU a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2001. Now, Oregon State is in a very similar situation. 

Along with Smith’s return, freshman running back Jermar Jefferson has been a breakout star as he currently has the fourth most single-season rushing yards in Oregon State history.

Looking at the stats sheet, UO is expected to win by a wide margin again. The Beavers (2-9) have allowed an average of 44.8 points per game, 539.2 yards per game and 6.8 yards per run thus far into the season, all of which rank last in the Pac-12. 

Then again, the Ducks (6-4) haven’t looked that impressive either as they’ve struggled to earn wins on the road. In their latest game,  the Ducks were dominated by the Arizona Wildcats (5-5), losing by 29 points. However, UO did take down Washington, who are ranked No. 18 in the nation. 

Though there is always a chance for an upset, it is very likely that the Ducks will come out of Reser Stadium victorious once again. Either way, whoever wins this game will earn nothing more than bragging rights. It’s hard to see such a historic rivalry become so one-sided and non-impactful.