I want to root for the University of Oregon, the representative of my conference and my state in the BCS Championship Bowl, but I'm finding it hard to do so. Some of my best friends are Oregonians, not to mention a few of my favorite relatives. I own a home here. Some of my taxes help support that institution of higher learning in Eugene. What could possibly account for my reluctance to cheer on the Ducks against the Tigers? Some of my least favorite relatives come from Alabama. I have carefully avoided them for a lifetime, and I don't recall ever rooting for any team from that state, much less Auburn University, an institution of which I am only dimly aware. There is simply no good reason for me to root for the Tigers on New Year's Day. But I think that is exactly what I am going to do. For one bad reason. I hate the Ducks, and I cannot bring myself to put that feeling aside for even a day.

Well, now that I've gotten that out of my system, what about YOU? Surely, you're a better man than me (or a better woman). You can take the high road. You have a more forgiving nature. You can see the value in a victory by Oregon, bringing glory to the Pac-10 and the state you love. For the sake of The National Championship, you can forget Civil Wars and other historic battles between Beavers and Ducks. For one day, you can put aside your petty grievances. You can bury the hatchet. . . . Not there. In the back yard. . . . Or can you?

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