The band and cheerleaders lined up near Autzen Stadium’s north tunnel as they usually do before any Oregon football game, but before Saturday’s matchup, they were also joined by most of the football team.
On DuckVision, Kenny Wheaton’s “pick” faded not into a group of players getting pumped up in the tunnel, but of a handful of focused Ducks who were about to take the home field for the last time in an Oregon uniform.
Saturday’s game was the last game at Autzen for 27 Ducks. One by one, they walked into the stadium and were greeted by loud cheers from their fans.
The crowd wildly greeted quarterback A.J. Feeley, who started for Oregon last season and led the Ducks to a triple-overtime home win against Southern California. Spectators roared for place-kicker Josh Frankel, who fought through a field-goal drought this season to kick the game-winner against Washington State. And the sound of “TU!” echoed through the cold afternoon air as defensive end Saul Patu emerged from the tunnel.
“I’m happy to have the game over, but at the same time, it’s over,” offensive tackle Lee Gundy said. “You’ll never get the chance to play here again, and unfortunately, that’s a big loss.”
By the game’s end, the seniors tasted victory yet again. Several of the Ducks’ seniors, including defensive end Jason Nikolao, played minutes in all of Oregon’s 20 consecutive home wins — a winning streak bested only by Florida State.
“It was a great game to go out of Autzen,” Nikolao said. “I’ve played in more closer games here in Autzen than I have blowouts, but this was a close one, and it’s been the story of my life — close games at Autzen.
“This is the greatest place to play in the world. I love the fans, I love Eugene — I’m going to miss it very much.”
Although the Ducks beat California, they trailed at halftime for only the second time this season. Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti didn’t blame Oregon’s slow start to teammates’ emotions running high.
“We were as emotionally ready in the locker room as we’ve ever been,” Bellotti said. “Sometimes with the senior deal, some of the kids get very emotional or too emotional. But I think we were ready to play.”