I thought I had seen it all at Autzen Stadium.
That was until Saturday, when I witnessed a 67-year-old man gleefully storm the field after the final pass of the game had sailed over the head of its intended target and the Ducks had sealed a 27-20 overtime win against California.
With his arms raised, this man began to leap uncontrollably. Grinning ear to ear as he ran into the arms of a 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman who hoisted him in the air – it appeared he’d just won the lottery.
Of course, this man, Phil Knight – the 46th richest man in the world – isn’t really in need of money these days. What he and other Duck fans desperately wanted Saturday afternoon was a victory against No. 23 California.
It was a game that marked the fork in the road for the Ducks as many questions were to be answered in the 60-plus minutes of football played on a windy and soggy day in Eugene.
How would the two new quarterbacks grasp the system in their first big game? How would the offense react to new quarterbacks? Can the defense continue to make big plays to help an offense that sometimes gets sidetracked?
The emotions of Knight following the game told the entire story.
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, at times it was downright ugly. But the Ducks never folded, and the desire, determination and overall character of this football team became quite evident.
Not too many teams can lose a three-year starter at quarterback and still knock off a ranked opponent as the Ducks did Saturday.
The national media and countless others across the country doubted Oregon’s chances, and there were a handful of opportunities for the Ducks to pack it in against the Bears.
With just over a minute to go, Cal had a first and 10 at Oregon’s 33-yard line with the game tied at 20. But on their next two plays, the Bears lost 11 yards and were out of field-goal range.
Beyond the obvious talent level and caliber of players Oregon has, this team also possesses the most important ingredient of all: heart.
As senior running back Terrence Whitehead put it: “We kept fighting.”
Is this a team of destiny?
It may appear that way. If you take a trip back in time, to the year 2001, you will recall that Joey Harrington and company routinely came out on top with improbable victories. It seemed as if luck was always with the green and yellow.
I can sense the reemerging theme.
Dixon, Leaf and Oregon’s offense may not have the fire power that the 2001 team did, but they certainly possess the confidence to consistently win the close games.
Oregon’s remaining schedule pits it against two teams, Washington State and Oregon State, with a combined conference record of 3-9.
They are two games the Ducks should win.
I just hope, for the sake of Phil Knight’s health, Oregon doesn’t need overtime to get the job done.

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