NEXT: Game to Affect Your Social Life

The Civil War becomes relevant again in 2008.

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The Civil War, at hyperspeed.

People like to make a big deal about college football rivalry games. We ain't arguing: it's a sweet way to pass a few November and December Saturdays. While MSU vs. PSU this Saturday (Land Grant Trophy) is important and Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (Bedlam) next weekend might be, there is one rivalry game you need to focus on this year: The Civil War (Oregon State vs. Oregon). Why? It has tremendous ramifications for your social life. Follow us: in all likelihood, the Beavers will not lose to Arizona this weekend. Thus, if they can win the "Civil War" game, they will (probably) make their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1965. Since we can't see Michigan State get by Penn State (PSU beat OSU, who absolutely destroyed MSU), that means the Rose Bowl is Oregon State vs. Penn State. Uh, remember this? The Rose Bowl has to be a somewhat compelling game, or else 2009 gets off on the totally wrong sporting foot. 4pm on 1-1 is not a good time to be alive, generally; all you want is a good football game to watch. We can't have a PSU/Oregon State woodshedding. So root for the Ducks in the Civil War, because honestly, how amazing would Carroll vs. Paterno be as a hangover cure?

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