Huskies vs. Ducks
The football rivalry between the University of Washington and the University of Oregon is one of the most heated and storied rivalries in college football. This epic showdown, known as the "Border War" or the "Cascade Clash," has been going on for over a century.
Storied History
The rivalry began in 1900 when the two teams first met on the football field. Since then, they have faced off annually, creating a tradition that has captivated fans from both sides. The long history of this rivalry only adds to the intensity and excitement surrounding each matchup.
HUSKIES LEAD SERIES
62-48-5 (0.561)
The reason for this epic showdown can be traced back to a combination of factors. Firstly, there is a strong geographic rivalry between Washington and Oregon. Both states are located in the Pacific Northwest and share a border, leading to a natural competitive spirit and a desire to assert dominance over their neighbors.
Another factor that fuels this rivalry is the success and prominence of both football programs. The University of Washington Huskies and the University of Oregon Ducks have had a long history of success, with each program achieving national recognition and producing talented players. The competition to be the top team in the region and the conference has driven the intensity of this rivalry to new heights.
The fans of these two universities are also deeply passionate, further contributing to the epic nature of this showdown. The pride and loyalty exhibited by the Husky and Duck fan bases create an electric atmosphere during their games. The fan enthusiasm adds an extra layer of excitement and bragging rights to the rivalry.
Moreover, the games themselves have often been highly competitive and closely contested. Both teams have had their fair share of victories, and the outcome of the matchups can have significant implications for conference standings, bowl game appearances, and even national rankings. This high-stakes nature of the games only enhances the intensity of the rivalry.
Overall, the football rivalry between the University of Washington and the University of Oregon is a culmination of geographical proximity, historical success, passionate fan bases, and competitive games. It is a clash that has stood the test of time and continues to ignite the spirit of competition and camaraderie within the Pacific Northwest.
The Cascade Clash
Before the break of dawn on Saturday, Red Square at the University of Washington was already echoing with cheers and screams. Enthusiastic fans from all corners of the Pacific Northwest had congregated, eagerly awaiting ESPN’s “College GameDay” in anticipation of the much-anticipated clash between the seventh-ranked Washington and the mighty eighth-ranked Oregon. This momentous occasion marked the first time in the riveting 123-year history of their rivalry, endearingly named “The Cascade Clash” by ESPN pundits, that both programs had the honor of being ranked in the top 10. Furthermore, it was a triumphant return for the show to the University of Washington after a hiatus since 2016.
In a thrilling showdown at Husky Stadium, the No. 7 Washington Huskies orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the final moments of the fourth quarter. With the game on the line, they held their breath as Camden Lewis from the No. 8 Oregon Ducks lined up for a potential game-tying 43-yard field goal. The tension was palpable as the ball sailed wide right, allowing the Huskies to clutch onto a hard-earned 36-33 victory on a glorious Saturday afternoon.
The star of the show was none other than UW Quarterback Michael Penix Jr, who showcased his prowess by delivering a sublime performance. Penix Jr effortlessly commanded the field, launching the ball for an astounding 302 yards and four touchdowns. His precision and finesse left the opposition in awe, as he masterfully connected with his teammates time and time again.
Among Penix Jr’s most reliable targets, Rome Odunze shone brightly, snatching eight of his passes for an impressive 128 yards and two touchdowns. Odunze’s sheer determination and impeccable catching skills proved instrumental in propelling the Huskies towards triumph.
With electric energy pulsating throughout the stadium, the No. 7 Washington Huskies emerged victorious, basking in the glory of their well-deserved win. The No. 8 Oregon Ducks fought valiantly, but ultimately fell short against the Huskies’ indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.
Washington, Oregon leave for BigTen
In a groundbreaking decision, the states of Washington and Oregon have officially sealed their entry into the Big Ten conference, effective from the 2024-25 season. This move not only adds to the dwindling strength of the Pac-12, but also raises concerns about the future of the conference.
The universities of Washington and Oregon formally applied for membership and were accepted after a successful vote by the Big Ten. Tony Petitti, the Big Ten commissioner, expressed excitement about the addition of these schools and the opportunity to build strong relationships with them.
Both Washington and Oregon expressed their gratitude to the Pac-12 while emphasizing the changing landscape of college athletics. They believe that joining the Big Ten will provide greater stability, exposure, and opportunities for their student-athletes to compete against some of the nation’s best programs. This move by the Big Ten marks a significant step towards the concept of superconferences, as they become the first major conference to expand to 18 teams. The SEC will follow suit in 2024 with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, while the Big 12 is also expected to increase its number of teams.
Factoids
Since 1945, the last tie was in 1962, overtime began in 1996 in Division I-A, two games were played in 1945, not scheduled in 2011, and canceled in 2020 (due to COVID-19). Washington has the edge with 2 National Championships (1960, 1991) and an overall record of 62-48-5 (0.561) on Oregon.
WASHINGTON (Coaches)
- Ralph Welch (1942-1947)
- Record: 27-20-3 (0.570)
- Bowls: 0-1 (Rose)
- Howard Odell (1948-1952)
- Record: 58-40-4 (0.588)
- John Cherberg (1953-1955)
- Record: 10-18-2 (0.367)
- Darrell Royal (1956)
- Record: 5-5 (0.500)
- Jim Owens (1957-1974)
- Record: 99-82-6 (0.546)
- Bowls: 2-1 (Rose)
- National Champions (1960)
- Don James (1975-1992)
- Record: 150-60-2 (0.712)
- Bowls: 10-4 (Rose, Freedom, Sun, Aloha, Independence, Orange)
- National Champions (1991)
- Jim Lambright (1993-1998)
- Record: 44-25-1 (0.636)
- Bowls: 1-3 (Sun, Holiday, Aloha, Oahu)
- Pac-10 Champions (1995)
- Rick Neuheisel (1999-2002)
- Record: 33-16 (0.674)
- Bowls: 1-3 (Rose, Holiday, Sun)
- Pac-10 Champions (2000)
- Keith Gilbertson (2003-2004)
- Record: 7-16 (0.304)
- Tyrone Willingham (2005-2008)
- Record: 11-37 (0.229)
- Steve Sarkisian (2009-2013)
- Record: 34-29 (0.540)
- Bowls: 2-2 (Holiday, Alamo, Maaco, Fight Hunger (resigned before game))
- Chris Petersen (2014-2019)
- Record: 55-26 (0.680)
- Bowls: 2-4 (Cactus, Heart of Dallas, Peace, Fiesta, Rose, Las Vegas)
- Pac-10/Pac-12 Champions (2016, 2018)
- BCS Playoff Birth (2017)
- Jimmy Lake (2020-2021)
- Record: 7-6 (0.540)
- Couldn’t Play in Pac-12 Championship Game due to COVID-19 Outbreak
- Kalen DeBoer (2022-Present)
- Record: 17-2 (0.895)
- Bowls: 1-0 (Alamo)
OREGON (Coaches)
- Tex Oliver (1945-1946)
- Record: 23-28-3 (0.454)
- Jim Aiken (1947-1950)
- Record: 21-20 (0.512)
- Bowls: 0-1 (Cotton)
- Len Casanova (1951-1966)
- Record: 82-73-8 (0.528)
- Bowls: 1-2 (Liberty, Rose, Sun)
- PCC Co-Champions (1957)
- Jerry Frei (1967-1971)
- Record: 22-29-2 (0.434)
- Dick Enright (1972-1973)
- Record: 6-16 (0.272)
- Don Read (1974-1976)
- Record: 9-24 (0.272)
- Rich Brooks (1977-1994)
- Record: 91-109-4 (0.460)
- Bowls: 1-3 (Rose, Freedom, Independence)
- Pac-10 Champions (1994)
- Mike Bellotti (1995-2008)
- Record: 116-55 (0.678)
- Bowls: 6-6 (Cotton, Las Vegas, Aloha, Sun, Holiday, Fiesta, Seattle)
- Pac-10 Champions (2000, 2001)
- Chip Kelly (2009-2012)
- Record: 46-7 (0.870)
- Bowls: 2-2 (Rose, Fiesta, Tostitos)
- Pac-12 Champions (2009, 2010, 2011)
- 2010 BCS National Championship Game (Lost)
- Mark Helfrich (2013-2016)
- Record: 37-16 (0.698)
- Bowls: 2-1 (Alamo, Rose)
- Pac-12 Champions (2014)
- 2015 BCS Championship Game (Lost)
- Willie Taggart (2017)
- Record: 7-5 (0.583)
- Mario Cristobal (2018-2021)
- Record: 35-13 (0.730)
- Bowls: 3-2 (Las Vegas, Redbox, Rose, Fiesta, Alamo)
- Pac-12 Champions (2019, 2020)
- Dan Lanning (2022-Present)
- Record: 15-4 (0.790)
- Bowls: 1-0 (Holiday)
GO HUSKIES
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