Nov. 21, 1998, is a special date in the history of the Civil War. It was the day the rivalry between the Ducks and the Beavers was renewed.
Yes, there has been a hatred between Eugene and Corvallis for more than a century, but in 1998, something sparked the Oregon program — and that something was the Oregon State fans.
“Their fans were pretty disrespectful. They hit us, they spit on us, they kicked us — they did everything they could to let us know that we lost that game,” Oregon junior cornerback Rashad Bauman said of the post-game festivities. “It really ignited something that was dead. That made this rivalry even bigger and makes us want them even more.”
For two years, the Oregon football program has tried to forget about its horrifying experience during its last visit to Corvallis.
But this Saturday, the nightmares could return.
Saliva could fly. Words could be exchanged. Tears could fall.
If Oregon State fans are even remotely as excited for this year’s mammoth Civil War contest as they were for the game in 1998, Oregon will have more than the Beaver football team to worry about.
In the 44-41 double-overtime thriller at then-Parker Stadium, the Oregon State celebration became more than that — it was a riot. Beaver students and fans stormed the field not once, but twice (once prematurely).
In the first overtime of the war, Oregon State scored first to take a 38-31 lead, and it appeared the Beavers had won after an Akili Smith pass on fourth down fell incomplete. Jubilant Beaver fans quickly hit the goal posts and the field, but it was too early to celebrate. Pass interference was called on the Beavers, giving the Ducks new life and eventually another touchdown to tie the contest.
Earlier in the game, during regulation, it had appeared that the Ducks had the game in control. But then, late in the fourth quarter, Oregon’s Michael Fletcher fumbled on a punt when he attempted to leap over the ball.
“It was probably my worst play of the year,” Fletcher told the Emerald after the game. “It had to come down to a turnover, and I was the one to make the turnover.”
Both teams would score again before the end of regulation, with the Beavers’ final drive credited to the heroics of then-freshman quarterback Jonathan Smith (who will lead the Beavers again this Saturday).
Alas, the miracle of the day favored Oregon State, a team that finished off its heated rival to secure its best record (5-6 overall) in 27 years.
Then the scene went wild. Goal posts fell on people, and people spit at football players while they ran for cover.
“Those fans are crazy,” Oregon senior linebacker Michael Callier said. “After the game, we lost and all, but we always go and pray. We were at the 50-yard line, and people were coming over and cussing in our ears and spitting on us.”
And, obviously, the Ducks don’t hope for a repeat performance, especially the seniors.
“I felt horrible for the seniors after that [1998] game,” senior linebacker Garrett Sabol said. “And I don’t want that same feeling. I’m going to do everything I can to win.”
An Oregon victory Saturday would not only prevent the destruction of public property and save fans from potentially life-threatening situations, but it would clinch a Rose Bowl berth for the nation’s fifth-ranked team.
A loss could send Oregon all the way to Hawaii for the Aloha Bowl. Or at least down to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.
“Losing would be disastrous no matter what’s at stake,” Callier said. “Nobody wants to lose to the Beavers. It’s the Civil War — this is going to be a monstrous game. … The winner gets the braggin’ rights for the entire state.
“And it’s even bigger because they finally have a good team.”