Ducks’ best moments…
Kenny Wheaton’s “The Pick” is one of the greatest moments in University of Oregon history. Since then, a number of exciting and monumental events have helped pave the path for the Ducks of today.
Honorable Mentions:
- Late-Game interception Vs. USC Trojans in 2007
- Double-overtime victory over Arizona Wildcats in 2009
- Defeating Michigan Wolverines in 2003 and 2007
5) Sept. 16, 2006: Controversial victory over Oklahoma Sooners
When the Ducks rallied late to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners at Autzen Stadium, it instantly became one of the most exciting finishes in Oregon football history. Even the most avid Oregon fans, however, can admit that it might also be the most controversial.
A number of curious late-game penalties had Oklahoma fans on edge, but there was nothing questionable about the botched onside kick ruling that gave Oregon the ball with 1:06 remaining down just seven points.
The Ducks would take the lead with 21 seconds remaining, but the tension culminated when Oklahoma had a chance to win on a last-second field goal.
Oregon would block the kick, finalizing one of the wildest finishes in Oregon history.
4) Jan. 1, 2002: Fiesta Bowl victory over Colorado Buffaloes
The Oregon Ducks blew out the Colorado Buffaloes 38-16 in the 2002 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, but this game became much more about proving wrong the doubters when it was all said and done.
The Ducks entered the game ranked No. 4 in the BCS, but held No. 2 rankings in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll, leading many to believe that Oregon should have been chosen to compete in the BCS National Championship game.
Joey Harrington had arguably his best performance as a Duck and went on to become the No. 3 pick in the ensuing NFL draft.
3) Dec. 3, 2009: Victory over Oregon State Beavers in “War of the Roses”
It was the first time in Civil War history that the winner would earn the right to play in the Rose Bowl, and the game came down to the wire in dramatic fashion.
Jan 2, 2012. Time expired, the Ducks won their first Rose Bowl in 95 years.
With less than 3:30 to play, the Ducks would convert on two dangerous fourth downs and go on to defeat the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers 37-33.
The town of Eugene would ultimately find itself in what seemed like a month-long celebration preparing for the Ducks’ first Rose Bowl appearance in 15 years.
2) Jan. 2, 2012: Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin Badgers
The Oregon Ducks had not fared well against bigger non-conference opponents throughout Chip Kelly’s three years as head coach, but the team broke the trend in the 2012 Rose Bowl against the No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers.
De' Anthony Thomas had two carries for two touchdowns and 155 yards, while LaMichael James rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown in his final game as a Duck.
As the clock wound down, Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson tried to hike the ball, but time expired and the Ducks rushed the field in their first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years.
1) Dec. 4, 2010: Victory over OSU solidifies BCS National Championship appearance
The Oregon State Beavers were the only thing standing in the way of a perfect regular season and the BCS National Championship.
The in-state rivals proved to be no match for the championship-bound Ducks, as Oregon won the game 37-20 and stormed the field as the university’s first 12-0 team in school history.
The Ducks ultimately went on to lose the national championship, but the anticipation was like no other heading into the biggest game that college football has to offer.
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About Bryant Knox
