The season for the division rivals started off gritty, as fans would expect from these Pacific Northwest rivals. To say this game was “chippy” was an understatement. Game one clearly meant a lot to both teams, and they put it all out on the line.

FIRST QUARTER

The first quarter started off with a bang. Wolfpack signal caller Jacob Ta’ase scrambled out of the pocket and threw into double coverage. The ball was picked off and returned for five yards by the Blackbears, Oregon quarterback Connor Kaegi and crew made quick work of the turnover and scored on the next drive from 20 yards out. Kris Lewis made a play against the boards in double coverage to put the Blackbears up early 6-0.

SECOND QUARTER

The next series starting the 2nd quarter, Washington struggled to get any consistency again, giving the ball back to Oregon. Kaegi found Bryce Goggins for 6 on the ensuing drive putting the Blackbears ahead 12-0. Ta’ase quickly navigated the Blackbears' defense on back-to-back drives and gave the Wolfpack a 13-12 lead.

Ta’ase moved the ball well on the next two series, but the Blackbears' defense held tight. This is where the rivalry began to show. On a 3rd and long, Ta’ase scrambled to his right and took a hit into the boards. Each team had some pushing and shoving, but it was quickly broken up. On the next play, Jeremiah Spicer had a free shot at Ta’ase and threw a clean, legal hit for a sack. The Wolfpack offensive line did not like the reaction, and another scuffle broke out.

Blackbears stalled out near the red zone and decided to take back the lead with a field goal. 15-13 Blackbears. Ta’ase moved the ball well on the next two series, but the Blackbears' defense held tight. On the kickoff, the Blackbears took it all the way to the house.

Ta’ase missed a game-changing 50-yard pass that ended in a drive killer. 21-12 Blackbears. The Wolfpack moved right down the field with a nice return off the kick. This led to Jacob Ta’ase running for a 20-yard scramble for a touchdown. 21-18 Blackbears. On the first play of the next series, Kaegi connected with Wilkerson for another 40 yards, which led to the Bears rushing in for another touchdown. 27-18 Blackbears.

With time running low in the half, the Wolfpack got into the red zone quickly. Xavier Crawford took a screen pass, weaving in and out of traffic and running over a defender for 6. Conversion is good. 27-26 Wolfpack. With just 9 seconds left, Kaegi threw a Hail Mary that resulted in an interception.

THIRD QUARTER

Coming out of the break, Kaegi and the Blackbears wasted no time getting back on the board. Kaegi and Goggins connected for the second time on the day. 33-26 Blackbears. The Wolfpack quickly struck back with a touchdown of their own. Ta’ase finally got in a rhythm and gave the Wolfpack another score. 33-33 Tied. With the clock quickly expiring in the 3rd, the Blackbears took back the lead with another TD of their own, once again grabbing the lead. 39-33.

FOURTH QUARTER

Heading into the 4th, once again the Blackbears stalled the Wolfpack's offense and turned the momentum into another passing touchdown. 45-32 Blackbears. Taking things into his own hands, Ta’ase once again scrambled to make something out of nothing, firing another quick strike to cut the lead. 47-40 Blackbears. Late in the fourth quarter, Kaegi made a mistake and threw into double coverage. Picked off, the Wolfpack could not muster anything, and Ta’ase threw a pick with desperation on 4th down, heaving deep in Blackbears territory. Another scuffle broke out. Blackbears went into V formation and take Game 1 of the new year. 47-40 Final in a barnburner for the rivals.