The college football game between the University of Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers was commonly referred to as “The Civil War” for many years. However, it’s worth noting that the name was officially dropped in 2020 amid a nationwide reexamination of terminology that could be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate.
The history of the rivalry dates back to 1894 when the two teams first met on the football field. The game became an annual tradition and one of the most anticipated college football matchups in the state of Oregon. The rivalry intensified over the years as both teams competed for dominance in the state.
The term “Civil War” was used to describe the rivalry due to its historical reference to the American Civil War, drawing parallels between the fierce competition on the football field and the conflict between the Union and Confederate states. While the intention may have been to highlight the intensity of the rivalry, the use of the term came under scrutiny as some found it inappropriate to associate a football game with a war that had significant historical implications.
In 2020, in response to societal changes and discussions around racial sensitivity, the universities decided to discontinue the use of the term “Civil War” to describe the football rivalry. Both schools expressed a commitment to fostering inclusivity and eliminating language that could be perceived as offensive.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the universities have not officially designated a new name for the rivalry, and it’s possible that they have continued to use a different name or terminology since then.
While I can’t provide specific highlights for each year, I can mention some memorable moments and key games from the history of the rivalry between the University of Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. Keep in mind that these are just a few notable examples, and there are many more exciting and significant moments throughout the history of the rivalry:
- 1894: Inaugural Meeting – The first matchup between the two teams took place in 1894, establishing the foundation for a longstanding rivalry.
- 2000: The “Civil War” for the Roses – The 2000 game was particularly significant as the winner would earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Oregon State won this matchup, securing their first Rose Bowl appearance in 35 years.
- 2008: “The Pick” – In this game, the Ducks secured a victory in double overtime after cornerback T.J. Ward intercepted a pass in the end zone. This play became known as “The Pick” and is celebrated by Oregon fans.
- 2010: BCS National Championship Run – The Ducks, led by coach Chip Kelly and quarterback Darron Thomas, won the 2010 Civil War, securing their spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Although they lost to Auburn in the championship, the season was a historic one for Oregon.
- 2016: Oregon Ends Oregon State’s Streak – In the 2016 matchup, Oregon ended a four-game losing streak to Oregon State, winning convincingly and regaining control in the overall series.
- 2019: Oregon’s College Football Playoff Aspirations – The Ducks won the 2019 Civil War, securing the Pac-12 North title and a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game. Although they ultimately fell short of the College Football Playoff, the victory was crucial in their pursuit of a conference championship.