The Civil War has seen its share of drama in the last three seasons; so much, in fact, that the sports fans outside of Oregon are beginning to notice.
And next season, in the wake of the Ducks’ and Beavers’ top-10 finishes, anyone in the United States with a television will be able to witness the 104-year-old rivalry.
The 105th Civil War will be televised during ABC Sports’ “Championship Saturday” on Dec. 1 next season, airing between the Miami vs. Virginia Tech matchup and the Big 12 Conference Championship.
“It’s exciting to have the opportunity for this game to be showcased throughout the entire country and in a time slot that should generate a lot of attention,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said in a released statement. “But it also will allow us an extra week of preparation and time to get everyone healthy at the end of the season. I couldn’t be more pleased with the network’s decision.”
Kickoff for the game — on which will become the latest Civil War date since the two teams played on Dec. 1, 1945 — is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
Both Oregon and Oregon State are expected to receive about $600,000 for the national television appearance, compared to a $270,000 payout the schools would receive for regional ABC coverage.
Only six other Division I rivalries in the country have taken place more frequently than the Civil War, which originated in 1894 and has remained uninterrupted since 1912, with the exception of 1943-44 during World War II.
The Ducks recently capped their first 10-win season in school history, while the Beavers upped them with an 11-win season. Both teams, along with Washington, tied as co-Pacific-10 Conference champions.
Oregon State ended its season ranked No. 4 in the country. Oregon finished at No. 7.

An improved playing field

Many sports fans attribute Oregon’s 20-game home winning streak to the loud, wild atmosphere inside of Autzen Stadium.
Opponents, however, may credit something else to the Ducks’ success at home.
Autzen Stadium’s aging OmniTurf has tripped up and slipped up its share of players in recent seasons. Opposing teams’ quarterbacks, runningbacks and receivers sometimes name Oregon’s outdated turf as one reason for losing the game.
But the turf will no longer be an issue in Oregon football, as Autzen Stadium will install NeXturf — a turf not in use at any other collegiate facility in the nation — before the start of the 2001 season.
The Atlanta Falcons’ training facility is the only place in the country, which consists of one-inch polyethylene fibers extending above the surface to simulate the grass-like blades, along with shorter texturized fibers knitted together below the surface to create a stronger, more durable fabric.
The finished product resembles natural grass in appearance, texture and performance. A one-half inch later of green rubber granules is spread throughout the turf, creating a non-abrasive surface that offers better footing and comfort for athletes. The turf is also easier to maintain.
“We developed an evaluation consisting of 10 to 12 factors, with my main input relating to the impact on our athletes,” Oregon strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe said. “I was able to take a full run and slide on the surface and received no abrasions at all, which is unlike any other artificial surface we have been on.”
“It also is a fast surface so it is resilient although not too soft, yet it could take a pounding without suffering any negative effects.”
The NeXturf will be installed at Autzen Stadium this spring following the removal of the current OmniTurf. The project should be completed by late June.