When is the Oregon Civil War Football Game?
The Oregon Civil War is the name given to the college football rivalry game played annually between the University of Oregon Ducks and Oregon State University Beavers. The two teams have been battling for state supremacy on the football field since 1894, with the game traditionally taking place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Dates and Schedule
The date of the Oregon Civil War game is typically set on the last Saturday in November. This is due to the tradition of scheduling the game after Thanksgiving, with the exception of a few instances where the game has been played on a Thursday night or earlier in the week.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2020 | November 28 |
| 2021 | November 27 |
| 2022 | November 26 |
| 2023 | November 25 |
History of the Rivalry
The Oregon Civil War began in 1894 when Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) defeated the University of Oregon 48-0 in Corvallis. The rivalry intensified over the years, with both teams vying for dominance in the state’s football scene. In the early years, the rivalry was largely dominated by the Beavers, with the Ducks experiencing their first winning season in 1902.
The Rise of the Ducks
In the mid-20th century, the Ducks began to emerge as a major force in the rivalry. The 1960s saw a period of unprecedented success for the Ducks, with two Pac-8 Conference championships and three Rose Bowl appearances. The 1990s saw a resurgence of Beavers dominance, led by quarterback Chad Baldwin, who won three straight victories over the Ducks.
Modern Era
In recent years, the Oregon Civil War has become a clash of the Pac-12 powerhouses. Both teams have enjoyed significant success, with the Ducks winning 14 of the last 17 meetings. The Ducks have won seven Pac-12 Conference championships and four national championships since 1999. The Beavers have also experienced success, with four bowl victories since 2006.
The Current Streak**
As of 2022, the Oregon Ducks have won 13 of the last 14 meetings in the Civil War series, including 11 consecutive victories. The last Beavers victory was in 2007, when they defeated the Ducks 38-31 in Corvallis.
**Interesting Facts**
• The Oregon Civil War is the second-most played rivalry in the country, with over 115 games played since 1894.
• The rivalry game has been played at eight different venues, including Autzen Stadium, Reser Stadium, and Husky Stadium.
• The name “Oregon Civil War” was coined in the 1950s by local sports writers to reflect the intense rivalry between the two schools.
The Game Day Experience**
For fans of both teams, the Oregon Civil War is a spectacle not to be missed. The game typically attracts over 40,000 fans at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, while Reser Stadium in Corvallis fills with thousands of green-clad Ducks supporters. The electric atmosphere is punctuated by cheers, chants, and, of course, the sound of marching bands and loudspeaker announcements.
**Conclusion**
The Oregon Civil War is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in college football. With the date of the game typically set on the last Saturday in November, fans can mark their calendars for the clash of the Pac-12 titans. As the Ducks and Beavers take to the field, the entire state of Oregon is held in suspense, wondering which team will emerge victorious in this annual battle for state supremacy.
