Oregon was 9–3 in the regular season and won their first ever outright conference championship (7–1); they appeared in the Rose Bowl for the first time in 37 years.[1][2][3] After the season, Rich Brooks would accept the coaching job for the recently relocated St. Louis Rams.
Two consecutive non-conference losses in September had many calling for Brooks' resignation.[4]
In previous matchups, Oregon had their share of disappointment: Mark Lee returned a punt 59 yards for touchdown to win the game in 1979. The defense held the #9-ranked Huskies to 109 yards and 3 first downs in 1984, but still fell 17–10. This, combined with Washington's 17–4 record against the Ducks, including a five-game win streak, had many Oregon fans fearing the worst.
In the 1994 edition of the heated rivalry with the University of Washington, the #9-ranked Huskies came into Autzen Stadium with a 5–1 record, including a victory over the University of Miami, snapping a 58-game home winning streak. The game was a tough and close contest, with the Ducks clinging to a 24–20 lead late in the game. Washington quarterback Damon Huard guided the Huskies to a first down on the 9 yard line with plenty of time remaining. Huard dropped back and whipped the ball towards wide receiver Dave Janoski. Ducks freshman cornerback Kenny Wheaton stepped in front of the pass, intercepted it and headed up the sideline for a clinching touchdown, putting Oregon ahead for good 31–20.[13][14] A replay of the interception—now referred to as "The Pick"—is played at every Ducks home game before the team runs onto the field.[15]
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