Dear freshman,
I know we’re just beginning to get to know each other, but I think you should hear me out, if only until the fifth paragraph. It may save you much grief and agony in the years to come.
If, by Tuesday evening, you were lucky enough to pick up a ticket to Oregon’s Pacific-10 Conference opener Saturday against Southern California, you are no doubt delirious with excitement about attending your first game at Autzen Stadium (humor me and just play along if you’ve been to every game since you could say, “Go Ducks”).
The tension and uncertainty of your first year away from home, I know, are heavy on your mind. It’s hard to focus on the game when all you can think about is your Californian roommate, whom you met just less than 48 hours ago, as he snores in his sleep a few feet away from you in that Bean box.
But, please, do not let these distractions distort your judgment on this lovely Saturday evening.
Just take a deep breath, relax and remember these words of wisdom: Do not leave the game early. Let me repeat that to make certain you heard (er, read) me correctly: DO NOT LEAVE EARLY.
Regardless of the score, the time, the frustrations, the need to relieve yourself of bodily fluids or whatever it may be — whatever you do, do not leave Autzen Stadium on Saturday until the lights go out and you are forcibly removed from your seat.
I don’t care if the Ducks are down by three touchdowns with four minutes to play. I don’t care if Joey Harrington has three cracked ribs (knock on wood). I don’t care if you can’t stand looking at coach Mike Bellotti without a mustache. I don’t care if your mom is waiting for you in the car. I don’t care if it’s the day after the game began. And I don’t care if you don’t care about football. Just don’t leave the game early.
I promise — and I’m speaking from personal experience — you will not regret it.
Almost two years ago to the day, the unranked Oregon football squad won an amazing triple-overtime thriller against the 16th-ranked Trojans of Southern California in what is now considered one of the most memorable games in Autzen history.
And I was there … for 57 minutes, 44 seconds of action.
It was, like it will be for you this weekend, my first experience with Oregon football. I knew the Ducks were respectable, but didn’t think much of the team’s chances against a top-25 team, especially traditional powerhouse USC.
So, with 2:16 remaining in regulation, I — a little irate that my dad, my younger brother and I had been standing in the overflow section most of the game — departed Autzen Stadium thinking the Quackers were going to lose 23-20.
The Ducks had no hope, I thought. Starting running back Reuben Droughns was knocked out of the game and into a hospital bed with separated ribs, and backup tailback Herman Ho-Ching was on crutches with an ankle injury. To top if off, placekicker Nathan Villegas, a projected NFL player, had his night — and career — cut short when he suffered a torn knee ligament while celebrating, with Harrington, his game-tying field goal with 30 seconds left in regulation (as I would later find out).
There was just too much stacked against the Ducks to pull out a victory, my freshman mind insisted.
Boy, was I an idiot.
Eventually, as I learned in disbelief while walking back to campus, third-string placekicker Josh Frankel won the game for the Ducks in the third overtime.
It was the Ducks’ 11th consecutive win at Autzen. I implore, beg, demand you not to miss win No. 23. Please.
“I took it personally when I saw fans leaving,” Oregon quarterback A.J. Feeley said after the roller-coaster ride.
If I could, I would apologize to Mr. Feeley, now a backup with the Philadelphia Eagles. I would tell him I was just an unknowing freshman, too worried about getting back across the bridge before everyone else.
Don’t just wish you could’ve seen the magic unfold Saturday. Don’t regret. Just go — and stay.
I just hope I have reached you in time.
Just attend the game, the whole game. Have faith in the Mighty Ducks. And be patient.
Then get pumped when Harrington, in his dramatic style, hits Justin Peelle across the middle on a critical fourth-and-12. And when Jason Willis makes a diving catch, when Maurice Morris picks up another first down and, most importantly, when Jared Siegel kicks the game-winner.
I may not know exactly how the game will play out, but I do know it would’ve been nice to catch the end of my first Oregon game.
Don’t make the same mistake.