The Civil War football game is the pinnacle point in Oregon’s 12-game regular season schedule for some students. It’s the one game that must not be missed.
Others, though, see it as just another football game or another Civil War.
One thing is for sure: Class and age can have an effect on how one views the in-state rivalry.
Freshman Jonathan Parks, a history major, made sure he would make it to Autzen Stadium on Saturday. Parks was in line outside the EMU at 5:30 a.m. the day off of the ticket release.
“It’s the experience of just waiting in line and getting the tickets,” he said.
This statement holds true for many freshmen. Parks was among 15 friends who received tickets and will all be attending the game. Parks didn’t sleep the night before and missed two classes to get a ticket.
“The few games that I’ve been to have been the absolute greatest part of this year — they were all riots,” Parks said. “I’m sure this is going to be the biggest game of the year, and it’s probably going to be the most fun I’ve had in the school year so far.”
This Civil War doesn’t have the implications of years past. A bowl game will be in Oregon’s future, but it won’t be the Fiesta Bowl like two years ago. Oregon State and Oregon sit third and fourth in the conference rankings, but Parks doesn’t seem to care.
“It’d be nice to have the whole conference ride upon that game, but it’s still bragging rights throughout the whole state, and it’s still going to be a huge game,” he said.
Freshman Danny Dougherty had similar sentiments.
“It’s not 2001, it’s definitely different,” Dougherty said. “It’s not the same, but still it’s a good way of finishing off the season to get to a bowl game.”