The University of Oregon and Washington State University have long been rivals in the Pac-12 conference. However, in recent years, the University of Oregon has become Washington’s official rival instead of Washington State University. This shift in rivalry has been due to a number of factors, including the success of Oregon’s football program, the increased visibility of the University of Oregon, and the geographical proximity of the two schools.
The University of Oregon has had a successful football program in recent years, which has helped to increase its visibility and popularity. The Ducks have won four Pac-12 championships since 2011, and have been to the College Football Playoff twice in that time. This success has helped to make the University of Oregon a household name, and has made them a more attractive rival for Washington.
The geographical proximity of the two schools is also a factor in why the University of Oregon is now Washington’s official rival. The University of Oregon is located in Eugene, Oregon, which is just a few hours drive from Seattle, Washington. This makes it easier for fans from both schools to travel to games, and for the rivalry to be more intense.
Finally, the University of Oregon has become more visible in recent years due to its increased presence in the media. The Ducks have appeared on national television more often in recent years, and have become a more recognizable brand. This increased visibility has helped to make the University of Oregon a more attractive rival for Washington.
Overall, the University of Oregon has become Washington’s official rival instead of Washington State University due to a number of factors, including the success of Oregon’s football program, the increased visibility of the University of Oregon, and the geographical proximity of the two schools. This shift in rivalry has been beneficial for both schools, as it has allowed them to build a stronger rivalry and create more excitement for their fans.
