Why would this apply to Chip Kelly? Three words, American Civil War. There has not been another one in the United States, and Kelly is leading his Oregon Ducks into a high-stakes, competitive "battle" that just so happens to be called the Civil War. And guess what---it's in America.
So, why must Chip Kelly beware? After all, his team is the favorite and the North (the clear favorite in 1861) did win the war. It did not come without a scare though, and in football once the contest is close there's no telling what happens next.
In fact, the easiest option may be to not name the game so aggressively. Perhaps, the Civil Town Hall Forum or the Civil Beer Summit (brought to you by Barack Obama) would be a milder name.
But no one is looking for the easy way out. In all reality, the game deserves to be called the Civil War. I brainstormed the top things America should break out into Civil War over, and it came out looking something like this:
3. To save the Union
2. Slavery
1. The Rose Bowl
So, it looks like the Ducks and Beavers have it right on. As for Kelly's concerns, they should lie with the result of America's first major Civil War. Let me draw a few comparisons. The North struggled early to find a consistent general. The first was a passed his prime Winfield Scott. He was a great general, but it was time to hang it up. Oregon's version is current AD Mike Bellotti, a solid coach that just moved on. Then there was General George McClellan. He had the credentials, but he just underperformed. Sounds like one Jeremiah Masoli in a hideous early season loss to Boise State. Next, there was General Henry Halleck who showed a general lack of discipline in leading. Enter Lagarrette Blount. The star (more like a black hole now) running back lost his temper after that tough week one loss and struck a member of the Boise State team.
This is where you have stepped in General Ulysse....I mean Chip Kelly. I'm not saying your counterpart Mike Reilly is Robert E. Lee. I am saying you better treat him like he is. In American Civil War history the upset has been prevalent on the battlefield, and in American football history the upset has been rampant on the playing field. All signs point to trouble for your Ducks tomorrow night.
Don't be surprised at all if the spirit of Stonewall Jackson takes the form of a Beaver Thursday night. Just play your game and before you know it the spirit of William Tecumseh Sherman may come back to "march" you and your Ducks to Pasadena.
