"We didn't lose the game, we just ran out of time" - Vince Lombardi, football God

January 10, 2011, a day that will live in infamy.  At least, it will live on in the hearts and minds of true Duck fans around the world.  Eugene was on FIRE yesterday.  Literally.  People could barely focus on work.  The day dragged on forever.  Finally, the game was set to take place.  It just felt like it took FOREVER to finally get here.  The moment we had all been waiting for, was here.  It was time for kickoff.

I was pleased a few of my friends were willing to watch the epic Duck watch party at Mac Court.  It is sort of amazing how sports can bring people together.  I mean, I didn't know all but 6 people in that gym, last night, and yet, it still felt like I was watching the biggest game of the year, arguably of all time, with my family.  I remember saying before the game, over and over, "I just hope it's a good game."  My God.  I could not have asked for a better game.  I could have asked for a better outcome, sure.  But, that game was unbelievable.  

From the first quarter, turnovers back and forth.  Ducks are the first to throw points up on the board.  The nerves began to build.  Then, the second quarter, the break.  The opening.  The opportunity to score and we grabbed it.  Took it.  We had to match the points that Auburn was putting up on the board.  Halftime.  Come on, Ducks.  The second half team.  Make the adjustments, come out, and blow them away.  Third quarter.  No such luck.  No score.  The Duck offense can't get anything going.  Auburn is just too big.  The third quarter goal line play.  The Ducks are inches away from scoring.  Inches.  One down.  Two Downs.  Three downs.  Really?  Inches!  Chip has balls.  We go for it.  We don't make it!  No score.  The Auburn defensive line is solid.  We can't get by them.  Fourth quarter.  This is it.  Last chance, summer dance.  Come on Ducks.  Time is running out.  Breath is held.  Quiet begins to fall over the crowds at Mac court.  Wait, what's that?!  Matthews for the tackle!  Auburn fumbles the ball!  Ducks recover!  Could it be?  Fate is on our side?!  This is it.  Right here.  A touchdown plus two ties the game.  Ducks SCORE!  Now for the two points.  Come on, come on...prayers are being said.  Mac court is on the edge of it's seat.  Go! Go! Go!  They did it!  They got 2!  Everyone last person is on their feet in Mac, screaming, crying, hugging.  Oh my God!  We are still in this thing!   The game is tied!   Little time is left on the clock.  Come on, defense.  You got this.  But, they don't.  Auburn runs away with the ball.  The Ducks try to get him to the ground, but he breaks free without touching Earth.  Field goal range.  10 seconds left on the clock.  Defense stops the TD.  Kicking team comes on.  2 seconds left.  Field goal.  Auburn wins.  Heartbreak.  It's determined.  Auburn is the 'best' in the country, the Ducks are second best.   

The Ducks are second best, unless you talk to Brent Musberger.  In which case, you'll probably hear about how great the SEC is, how amazing Cam Newton is, and how he is in love with Gene Chizik. Oh, if you want to hear how great Gene Chizik is, just ask Gene Chizik, or God.  Apparently, the reason they won last night was because God was on their side.  I can't recall if the coach said that, or if a player did, but either way, it's completely ludicrous.  I guess I just misunderstand.  Was God on your side when your player kicked one of our guys in the head, intentionally, after the play was dead?  Or, was that God speaking when your player grabbed our guys helmet and shoved it into the ground?  That's God, being on your side?  Interesting.  I would have interpreted that as a-bunch-of-thugs-who-are- undisciplined-and-have-no-regard-for-who-they-are-representing.  But, ya know,  you say tomato, I say to-ma-to....

I will say that I have thought Chip Kelly has done an amazing job at trying to create players, who are not only good at football, but players that have integrity.  He was faced with some tough decisions regarding Legarette Blount, Jeremiah Massoli, etc when he took over the head coaching position.  He made the tough decisions, and did what was best for the program.  Every Duck interview that I saw after the game gave Auburn credit.  They were gracious in defeat.  They played with heart.  Hard work.  Persistence.  They made people everywhere proud to consider themselves Ducks.  

Every Auburn post-game interview I saw was about God, and how good Auburn is.  I did not see, or hear, one player acknowledge their opponent.  Why would you, when you're that good, though, right?  So good, you won by a mere three points.  Arrogance.  Ingratitude.  Auburn, you made people everywhere want to be an Alabama fan.  Roll Tide.  

Click here for the new Nike Ad for Oregon, post BCS.  Awesome!

Nike Football: Everyone Loses Games. Few Change Them. (Oregon Ad)

Today's List:  The Top Ten things I hate about Auburn.
1. Gene Chizik
2. Cam Newton
3. Nick Fairly
4. Michael Dyer
5. The color Orange
6. Wareagle (what is that anyway?)
7. Tigers
8. SEC
9. Arrogance
10. Brent Musberger (He's from Auburn for all I care. Little known fact, he's from Portland, OR -or was at least born there- Obviously, he wants to be an honorary SEC member...Good go there.  You won't be missed.)

I'll be back later to discuss progress on my new year's resolutions.  That ought to be good, folks!

DUCK4LIFE