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The 106th Civil War will divide the state in
more ways than one, as the teams fight for
in-state supremecy and postseason berths
Peter Hockaday
Sports Editor
So other Pacific-10 Conference schools have
their “Gups” and their “Big Games” and their “Vic
tory Bells,” but they don’t have war.
The Oregon-Oregon State matchup is called the
Civil War, but it’s more “War” than “Civil.” It
divides the state into blaek-and-orange vs. green
and-yellow. It’s Ducks and Beavers.
“It’s the most important game of my life,” Ore
gon senior defensive lineman Seth McEwan said.
“It’s always the most important game of my life,
because it’s a pride thing and it’s for the owner
ship of Oregon.”
“It’s the biggest rivalry I’ve ever been in,” Oregon
State head coach Dennis Erickson said.
This year, the game takes on a theme seen in
many recent Civil Wars: It’s about more than just
in-state supremacy.
This year, the Ducks and Beavers will be compet
ing for a chance to be pulling slot machines on Dec.
25. That’s the date of the Las Vegas Bowl. Or they’re
playing for a shot at a bowl game in a baseball stadi
um — Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix for the Insight
Bowl on Dec. 26.
Whatever way you look at it, the Civil War has
postseason implications.
That means the teams have come a long way
since the infamous 0-0 “Toilet Bowl” of 1981.
“We have a lot to play for, that’s the biggest thing,”
Bellotti said.
The key matchup on the field Saturday will be
Oregon’s struggling offense against Oregon State’s
Turn to War, page 11B
KICKOFF AT 12:30 P.M. ■ RESER STADIUM ■ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2002 ■ TV: KEZI
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Beaver believers
Oregon State started strong,
faltered, and now is coming
on strong again toward the
end of the regular season.
Page 3B
Running committee
With Onterrio Smith out, the
Ducks will look to the
tandem of Terrence
Whitehead and Ryan Shaw.
Page 4B