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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 17, 2000)
In Oregon’s last visit to Corvallis, quarterback Akili Smith and the Ducks could not get past a stingy Beaver defense or the rowdy Oregon State fans. The Ducks lost the 1998 Civil War 44-41 in double overtime. Emerald 1998 war ignited a renewed, uncivil rivalry ■The Ducks’ painful memories of their last visit to Corvallis include ‘crazy’ Oregon State fans, who spat, swore and kicked Oregon players after the 44-41 overtime thriller By Adam Jude Oregon Daily Emerald Nov. 21,1998, is a special date in the history of the Civil War. It was the day the rivalry between the Ducks and the Beavers was re newed. Yes, there has been a hatred be tween Eugene and Corvallis for more than a century, but in 1998, something sparked the Oregon pro gram — and that something was the Oregon State fans. “Their fans were pretty disre spectful. They hit us, they spit on us, they kicked us — they did everything they could to let us know that we lost that game,” Ore gon junior cornerback Rashad Bau man said of the post-game festivi ties. “It really ignited something that was dead. That made this rival ry even bigger and makes us want them even more.” For two years, the Oregon foot ball program has tried to forget about its horrifying experience dur ing its last visit to Corvallis. But this Saturday, the nightmares could return. Saliva could fly. Words could be exchanged. Tears could fall. If Oregon State fans are even re motely as excited for this year’s mammoth Civil War contest as they were for the game in 1998, Oregon will have more than the Beaver football team to worry about. In the 44-41 double-overtime thriller at then-Parker Stadium, the Oregon State celebration became more than that — it was a riot. Beaver students and fans stormed the field not once, but twice (once prematurely). In the first overtime of the war, Oregon State scored first to take a 38-31 lead, and it appeared the Beavers had won after an Akili Smith pass on fourth down fell in complete. Jubilant Beaver fans quickly hit the goal posts and the field, but it was too early to cele brate. Pass interference was called on the Beavers, giving the Ducks new life and eventually another touchdown to tie the contest. Earlier in the game, during regu lation, it had appeared that the Ducks had the game in control. But then, late in the fourth quarter, Ore gon’s Michael Fletcher fumbled on a punt when he attempted to leap over the ball. “It was probably my worst play of the year,” Fletcher told the Emer ald after the game. “It had to come down to a turnover, and I was the one to make the turnover.” Both teams would score again be fore the end of regulation, with the Beavers’ final drive credited to the heroics of then-freshman quarter back Jonathan Smith (who will lead the Beavers again this Saturday). Alas, the miracle of the day fa vored Oregon State, a team that fin ished off its heated rival to secure its best record (5-6 overall) in 27 years. Then the scene went wild. Goal posts fell on people, and people spit at football players while they ran for cover. “Those fans are crazy,” Oregon senior linebacker Michael Callier said. “After the game, we lost and all, but we always go and pray. We were at the 50-yard line, and peo ple were coming over and cussing in our ears and spitting on us.” And, obviously, the Ducks don’t hope for a repeat performance, es pecially the seniors. “I felt horrible for the seniors af ter that [1998] game,” senior line backer Garrett Sabol said. “And I don’t want that same feeling. I’m going to do everything I can to win.” An Oregon victory Saturday would not only prevent the de struction of public property and save fans from potentially life threatening situations, but it would clinch a Rose Bowl berth for the na tion’s fifth-ranked team. A loss could send Oregon all the way to Hawaii for the Aloha Bowl. Or at least down to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. “Losing would be disastrous no matter what’s at stake,” Callier said. “Nobody wants to lose, to the Beavers. It’s the Civil War — this is going to be a monstrous game. ... The winner gets the braggin’ rights for the entire state. “And it’s even bigger because they finally have a good team.” 010643 •* Aerobic Kick Box 1 Cross Training Aclion leadership «** Sp St Breema 13:00.13:50 14:00-14.50 14:00-15:50 13:00-13:50 PEAE 251 PEAE 340 PEL 199 PEMB 399 14:00-15:50 MW several sections some sections in the REC PE Office 102 Esslinger Hall, U of 0 • 3464113 Check out the PARS Virtual Tour at: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~pars/ Make lie Grand Opening 12:00 Noon, Friday November 17* 2000 1525 University Street (behind Mac Court) Free Tennis Demonstration & Clinic, Food, Pries and Fun! Saturday Market's Holiday Market opens THIS WEEKEND! 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