Rather than conflict with other national games on Nov. 28 next fall, officials from the University and Oregon State University have agreed to move the 2009 Civil War to Thursday, Dec. 3.
The move will benefit both schools financially – each institution will receive $350,000 – and nationally, as ESPN will broadcast the game to a nationwide audience, similar to when Oregon State hosted USC this fall.
The spotlight from the national coverage means the game will be played during Dead Week, the week before final exams next fall, a concern among fans and faculty who have already voiced their opinions in reports and message boards for both teams.
Pushing the game back means Oregon will have nearly two weeks off and Oregon State three weeks off from its last game to prepare.
Earlier published reports showed that Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny spoke with Oregon State athletic director Bob De Carolis earlier in January about the possibility of moving the game. It is one of six games on Oregon’s schedule for next season that will be televised on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. Those games include an away game at Boise State and home games against Purdue, Utah, Cal, USC and now Oregon State.
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