The Sweet Taste of Victory, Savored With Fine Wine

I'm too relieved too feel vindicated, because I was worried they would lose, but the Ducks rode a big-play offense to roll the Oregon State Beavers 65-38 in Reser Stadium this afternoon, ending the Beavers' Rose Bowl dream unless UCLA pulls off a miracle upset over the cheaters from USC. Not likely: the Trojans demolished Notre Dame 38-3 tonight, and their defense is stifling and fierce.

I watched the game at A Taste of Wine with Doug and Marie and we had a wonderful time. The wine was good and Doug's good humor is the perfect complement to any wine and any occasion. Even in defeat he was philosophical and gracious and remarkably good company.

The Beavers sorely missed their quick little running back Quizz Rodgers, easily the heart and soul of their team. Their strength this year has been ball control and balance, and his darting elusiveness and tackle-breaking magic lifted the play of his teammates all year long. He's probably the Conference Player of the Year, and missing a game only underscored how remarkable and valuable he was. Despite playing with a sore shoulder, quarterback Lyle Moavao tied a team record with five touchdown passes, but tonight the defense didn't have an answer for the formidable Oregon running game and gave up far too many big plays.

The Ducks improved to 9-3 with the win, a good record considering they started the season with five inexperienced quarterbacks before settling on Jeremiah Masoli, a sophomore JC transfer who improved every game after a shaky start. He barely managed 40 yards passing in two of his earlier games, but in the last three he's made giant strides toward becoming a perfect fit as the dual-threat spearhead of the Ducks' potent spread option offense. Next year may bring a new challenge though: they might lose offensive mastermind Chip Kelly, their talented Offensive Coordinator who tutored first Dennis Dixon and now Masoli and worked wonders with both. Syracuse is interviewing him for their vacant head coaching position, and after his offense racked up over 1200 yards and 100 points in its last two games, other overtures are sure to follow. The Ducks will likely play in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on December 30, and Kelly may be a lame duck by then, a head man in some other corner of the football world. That's the trouble with hiring talented people; they outgrow their jobs and move on to bigger opportunities.

Marie was radiant tonight in a pair of jeans and a snug fitting little Duck tee shirt that hugged her delicious curves. Her hair was up with little curls dangling down her neck, a look that both stirs and delights me. Happy and loved, she radiates desirability, and sitting next to her was the sweetest victory of the season, with the possible exception of the concession phone call I got from Stephanie after the game.

Doug's son Tucker invited us over for pulled pork sandwiches after the game. I wasn't at all hungry but I ate every bite because they were heavenly, tender, marvelously well seasoned with sauteed onions and mushrooms. Doug's son Dmitri assisted in the kitchen and both cooks earned their praise. I'm surrounded by excellence and bowled over with blessings. Christmas doesn't need to come, because I couldn't want another thing.