The Spartans and the Ducks: A Look at the Michigan State vs. Oregon Football Series History
The Michigan State Spartans and Oregon Ducks are two of the most storied programs in college football. While they haven't faced each other often, their matchups have always been exciting and memorable.
A Brief History of a Rare Rivalry
The Spartans and Ducks have only met on the gridiron five times, with the first encounter taking place way back in 1985.
Here's a breakdown of the series:
- 1985: Oregon edged out Michigan State 23-20 in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. The Ducks were led by quarterback Doug Nussmeier, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. The Spartans were looking to avenge their 1984 Rose Bowl loss and make it to the Rose Bowl once again.
- 1987: The Ducks came out on top again, defeating the Spartans 17-10 in a hard-fought battle in Eugene. This was the first time the two teams played in Eugene, and it was the last time the Ducks would win in the series.
- 1989: Michigan State won the third meeting between the two teams, 17-13, in East Lansing. The Spartans scored the game-winning touchdown on a 20-yard pass from Drew Henson to Tony Stewart.
- 2000: The two teams met again in a highly anticipated matchup at the Rose Bowl, with the Spartans looking to end a 15-year drought. However, it was Oregon who claimed victory in a dramatic 24-14 upset.
- 2008: The last encounter between the two teams took place at the Rose Bowl, and it was a thrilling game that went down to the wire. Michigan State won 17-10, thanks to a late field goal.
The series is tied 2-2-1, making it a close and exciting rivalry.
Looking Forward: What's Next?
While there are no current plans for a future matchup, the possibility always exists. Both programs have a strong tradition of success, and a game between them would be a highly anticipated event for fans of both teams. The future of this series remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: if these two teams ever meet again, it will be a game to watch.
The Key Takeaways:
- The Michigan State vs. Oregon series has been a tight affair, with each team winning twice.
- The games have been exciting and memorable, with several close calls and dramatic finishes.
- The future of the series is uncertain, but a matchup between these two storied programs would be a thrilling event.
This historical overview should provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to delve deeper into this unique rivalry. Be sure to stay tuned for any future developments that could bring these two teams back together on the field!
