Stakes have changed quite a bit for this Civil War

It was only two years ago when Oregon State University and the University of Oregon were squaring off in the "War of the Roses."

The winner of that Civil War received a Rose Bowl berth, and took the crown of Pac-10 champion.

Since then, the Ducks and Beavers have gone in substantially different directions. Oregon went to the BCS National Championship last season, while OSU ended up not qualifying for a bowl game.

The stakes for Saturday's game aren't what they were two years ago, for sure. Nonetheless, the Ducks have the Pac-12 North Division to lock up with a victory, as well as home-field for the Pac-12 Championship game.

Oregon State doesn't have a bowl game to go to, let alone a Rose Bowl.

"That's a rivalry game," said senior wide receiver James Rodgers after Saturday's win over Washington. "I feel like the records go out the window when you play games like that, because it's a little more intense. So let's go out there and see what we can do."

Rodgers may be the only player who has a memory of defeating the Ducks in this rivalry. Back in 2007, when he was a true freshman, Rodgers scored the game-winning touchdown on a 25-yard run in double overtime.

Since then, Oregon has won the game three years in a row.

If Oregon State stands any chance against this high-powered, prolific Ducks team, they have to make their victory celebration over Washington a short one.

Oregon is currently favored to beat the Beavers by four touchdowns.

"We know we're playing a great team with a lot of ability and a lot of speed, and well-coached," said head coach Mike Riley on Sunday. "We're going to just have to play a great, great game. And I know our team will get ready to go and compete."

Depending on how you look at it, Oregon's loss to the University of Southern California could figure to lean in OSU's favor. Most importantly, the Trojans won at Autzen Stadium — something an opposing team hadn't done since September of 2008.

On the other hand, the Civil War could serve as extra motivation for the Ducks. Coming off a disappointing home loss that thwarted their dreams of returning to the National Championship may make this a scarier Oregon team that shows no mercy to their in-state rivals.

"I never worry about what another team's psyche is going in," Riley said about Oregon being more motivated after the USC loss. "You can't control it, that's up to them."

The odds may be against OSU, but as they say, "Anything can happen in a rivalry game."

"What better way to go out than beating the Ducks?" asked senior safety Lance Mitchell on Saturday. "[It's] something we haven't done in a long time, in a couple years. We're definitely going to enjoy this [win] right here and Monday we're going to start getting ready — getting ready for Oregon."

The win over Washington might have had to happen to give this team a belief in their abilities.

"For our team — it's just the opportunity to play and try to pull off something that they'll never forget," Riley said. "And it's going to take a great, great effort and a lot of good football to do it."

Warner Strausbaugh, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com