Oregon Duckcast

Sometimes, it seems as though life is a visionary essence of what is great and stunning, but rarely reality. As in the world of college football. The haze has cleared (smog if you're from USC), and what was made possible by Bellotti has emerged a team still as real as in all of college football.

This season will forever be in the hearts, minds and sore throats of Oregon fans. Where did it begin, and where does it end? What was unleashed on USC and the rest of the Pac-10 began with Bellotti. Where it ends is the locker room of any opposing team. The Oregon faithful have made certain to declare to the college football world that, to us, being a Duck is more than just wins and losses; it’s about belief - no matter what happens.

Rising from ashes to Roses stood Oregon.

Chip Kelly is one heck of a coach. Direct, determined and focused. Oregon is going to go far under his time here. However, let us not forget how, in similar form and fashion, this tradition of greatness began. An offensive coordinator from a small school came to Oregon, and through his offensive vision, passion, integrity and one heck of a 'stasche elevated the Ducks to national attention and respect with a Rose Bowl berth in the most unlikely of years. A coordinator who BECAME Oregon Football, with immense strategy and influence on his "kids".

This program has been a work in greatness for many seasons under Bellotti. Now the foundation, built by Bellotti, is the rock upon which Oregon stands. Interestingly, it all began with an offensive coordinator from a small school with a clear vision.

So carries on the legacy of Bellotti.

A legacy of Oregon success - who we are now, and always will be.

Ducks.

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Any Duck fan remembers it.

Number 2 in the nation. Dixon in the Heisman drivers seat. The memories of that scene two years ago are as vivid as ever as Oregon and Arizona played a remarkable game, and an amazing Civil War. Heck, even at 'Zona ESPN GameDay was on hand (again).

We now face more dreams of intense pride and opportunity.

Opportunity for redemption, remembrance of what was possible then is possible now, reconciliation and roses. The road to Pasadena wasn't easy. Players, fans, legends and the entire nation were watching last night, and Oregon didn't let anyone down. Will the giant that is Oregon continue the dominance in the Rose Bowl?

Something seems different this year.

Oregon has made the climb from the disasterous blow-up in Boise to roses. Belief, Passion, Excellence.

It's who Oregon is.

Best,
Ryan

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So, here we are Oregon fans.

Another Holiday Bowl berth, another chance for a 10 win season, and a rarity this past decade for the Ducks: beating Oregon State in Corvallis, knocking the Beavers out of the Rose Bowl. Mind you, it was also their first shot in 44 years.

1964: "The trailer park in Corvallis is thatta way. . ."

The last time the words "Beaver" and "Pasadena" were used in the same sentence (in a non Britney Spears way) was around the same time the Beatles debuted in America and Bellotti introduced the infamous 'Stache to the world.

Befittingly, Oregon playing in San Diego means playing in front of Todd Doxey's entire hometown with his friends and family all in attendance. Oregon players struggled early this year with a way to cope in the wake of Todd's drowning on the McKenzie River. But like so many times this season, they found a way to turn a negative into a positive.

The way these Ducks regrouped, after the loss of Todd, after the adversity of losing the number one and number two quarterbacks in Chip Kelly's system, after that rainy, frustrating day in Berkeley, here are the facts:

No. 17 in the nation at 9-3 and number two in the Pac-10 standings.

Oregon has regrouped through adversity after adversity this season to finish strong and with honor.

For themselves, for the fans, for Oregon.

And especially, for Todd.

Ryan

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