This is for the Roses!

All across this beautiful state lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and allegiances declared. This “Civil War” has never really been very civil. For Oregonians everywhere this is the game that historically could salvage a terrible season or destroy a one. A win against your in state rival can keep fans bleeding the colors of their school with pride for the entire off season.

Never before has it meant the winner, regardless of who, is going to the Granddaddy of them all, the hallowed Rose Bowl.

Well I’m going to do my part to make sure that the Ducks prevail and get to play in Pasadena this New Years day by giving them a locker room speech that will stick with them for the rest of their lives, or at least until the clocks read 00:00. This ones on me Chip.

“10 games, 8 amazing victories and 2 heart breaking losses and we find our selves playing in front of the entire nation here at Autzen for a an invitation to the Rose Bowl.

8 times we have sang Mighty Oregon at the top of our lungs. 2 times we were left wanting, wishing and wondering where it went wrong.

I’ve learned so much about the resolve of this team over the course of this season. I’ve never been around a team with so much heart. I’ve never seen a focus like this.

I have never been more proud.

We know we have to stop the Rodgers brothers. We know we have to pressure Canfield. We know we have to control the line of scrimmage. We know we have to execute flawlessly. I know we will.

Ask Walt and Willie right now what they would give to join you guys out there tonight. Now ask your self what you’re going to give in terms of effort to honor their sacrifice tonight?

There are still people out there who don’t believe in us. They say that it’s our facilities that give us an edge. They say that it’s our fans that make the difference. They say it’s our boosters who got us here. They could not be more wrong.

It’s your heart that has gotten us here. It’s never taking a snap off. It’s staying focused even in the most distracting of times. It’s knowing that none of you could live with yourselves if you didn’t.

I’ve seen you give everything you have for every second of every game, every practice, every workout and every film session this season and I thank you for that. Today, I need more.

Today I need that part of your heart that you didn’t know existed.

I need that burst of speed you haven’t been able to muster.

I need that ounce of strength you were saving to be able to walk off the field after we win. We can spend the night on the field for all I care!

You’ve all heard how lucky you are to have this opportunity, that’s bullshit! Luck had nothing to do with it. You have earned this with sweat and tears, let’s make sure that the tears tonight are tears of joy!

This is it, this is for every Duck that has came before you.

This is for the right to live in this state.

This is for the respect we are so close to earning.

This is for the ROSES!

Be Proud!

Be Great!

Be Ducks!”

- Kurt Valentine