It's not the critic who counts. Rival fanbases will have a field day if the Ducks come close but get turned away in the College Football Playoff semifinal. The timeline will be full of Beavers, Huskies and Trojans chortling about "Zero Natties" or "Ducks choke again" but no matter the result tonight in Atlanta, this is a program on the rise, with purpose and hope.
What were the reasonable expectations before the season? New starting quarterback, rebuilt offensive line, new secondary-- a 10-2 season, winning a playoff game were the targets most fans set for the season, and many of the pundits tabbed Oregon as a team to fall back a little, maybe lose at Penn State, Iowa and Washington and miss the playoffs at 9-3.
Instead, Oregon dug deep and crafted a winning season. They survived injuries and adversity, down to three healthy wide receivers at one point. Dante Moore blossomed into a poised, accurate quarterback, the even-keel leader this team needed.
The defense played with heart and tenacity and became perhaps the best unit in school history, winning a quarterfinal playoff game over an explosive No. 4 Texas Tech squad with a 23-0 shutout, their first in the postseason since the 1917 Rose Bowl.
They've already won
In truth, the Ducks are playing on house money today. (The line has dropped to Indiana -3, down 1.5 points from open.) No matter what happens, they've exceeded all expectations and won two playoff games. The future of the program is secure, they have the right man leading it, and the returning players are deeply committed to the culture.
In the coming days Duck fans will find out if Dante Moore, Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, A'Mauri Washington and Dillon Thieneman are going to be back for another season. Whatever their individual decisions, the effort and courage they've brought to Oregon football has set a standard that will live for years.
The championship dream might be thwarted again against Indiana. They're a great team and show all the marks of a team of destiny. Sports can be cruel. The Olympic games have shown us over and over how arduous an athlete's journey can be. Steve Prefontaine fading in the 5000 meters at the 1972 Olympics, then witnessing slaughter across the courtyard. Mary Decker Slaney tripped by Zola Budd. in a heap on the infield, gathered up in her husband's arms in tears.
Little prepares you for the moment a dream dies. Except this dream hasn't died; it's just meeting ultimate adversity and crippling misfortune. Imagine how rich it will be if they survive this. Put all the house's money on Green.