EUGENE -- Even if the stakes are only for bragging rights, that's significant enough in the Civil War.
Mario Cristobal called it the "most important game of the year" and Oregon has made minor cosmetic changes at practice this week as it prepares to head to Reser Stadium on Friday (1 p.m. PT, FS1). The Ducks scout team wore orange jerseys rather than the usual black and the crowd noise being piped in on Tuesday included a chain saw
"It's at their place and we understand, we all fully understand, the importance of this football game, the intensity behind it," said Cristobal, who experienced his first Civil War in last year's 69-10 mauling by the Ducks, who have won nine of the last 10 meetings.
Oregon State (2-9, 1-7 Pac-12) won the last meeting in Corvallis though, a 34-24 victory in 2016 that ended a disastrous 4-8 season for Oregon and served as motivation for the Ducks last season.
"It's important for our players to understand how important this game is for everyone in this state," Cristobal said. "Houses divided, families divided - and that goes with the territory in a rivalry game. The motivation for us is extremely high. We didn't do too well the last time we were over there. So we talk about a lot of things that are motivating factors, but our team is motivated."
Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith, who was 2-2 in the Civil War as a player for the Beavers, wasn't sure if he'd share many of his personal experiences in the rivalry with his players and while he embraces the rivalry, was focused more on consistency in approach.
"Emotions do run high in rivalry games, but once you get into the game, it then comes down to execution," Smith said. "I don't want to change it in regards to making this bigger than it is. It's an important game just like all those games are important. It should have a great atmosphere, which we want to play in."
For the 24 Ducks from the state, there is added significance. They're grown up in the Civil War rivalry, attended games growing up and now play in it.
"That game is one of our biggest every year, especially the anticipation of coming up to it," linebacker and Portland native La'Mar Winston Jr. said. "Our last go at their house wasn't great. We're going to be practicing real hard this week in preparation."
The 122nd installment of the Civil War presents an opportunity for both teams. The Beavers would look to end the season with its best win of the season and deal the Ducks a brutal defeat in the process, while the Ducks are looking to improve their bowl prospects while also getting another road win in what has been another rough year for them away from Autzen.
"We have to play on the road more like we play at home," Cristobal said. "That's got to be the next step for the program. We found it one time out there at Cal. We showed glimpses of it against Utah. We showed it in the second half a little bit against Washington State. But we haven't put it together on the road and that's a challenge and that's what we're looking forward to."
-- James Crepea | jcrepea@oregonian.com | @JamesCrepea