Civil War showdown

Staying focused on the moment is OSU flanker James Rodgers’ priority

By kerry eggers

The Portland Tribune, Dec 2, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

Despite some earlier toe and shoulder problems, OSU sophomore flanker James Rodgers says he hopes for the opportunity to make some big plays.

JED JACOBSOHN / GETTY IMAGES

Oregon State flanker James Rodgers talks about the Civil War and what might be beyond that for the Beavers.

I remember the end of last year’s Civil War game pretty well. It was the second overtime and we had a chance to get the game over with.

When they called for the fly sweep on first-and-10 from the 25, I was thinking, ‘OK.’ We’d been getting 10, 12 yards a pop with the play during the game. I didn’t know if we could score, but it was like, maybe, if everything worked out right.

Then it just kind of unfolded. There was great blocking, and I turned the corner and saw a few of the Oregon guys getting tangled up, and then it was off to the races. I just ran the ball into the end zone. It was a great moment.

And it’s funny, because I saw it as a huge win but just another game, really. I mean, I didn’t really pay too much mind to the rivalry last year. Now I can see why there’s so much commotion between the two. We’re just on opposite sides, battling.

I’ve had a lot of Oregon State people tell me what playing the Ducks means to them. I understand, but I still just see it as us playing another game that’s going to be tougher than most.

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