Rival Claims

Now Hear This

?This is probably the most significant Civil War since Lincoln was in control.

—Oregon placekicker Josh Frankel, before the fifth-ranked Ducks' 23-13 loss to No. 8 Oregon State last Saturday.

?The second play of the game, I was under center and everyone in the stands was waving towels. I thought, Holy s—-! I can't believe I'm here. It probably looked on TV like I was checking out the defense, but I was really saying to myself, What the hell is going on?

—Texas quarterback Chris Simms, on his first college start, last year against Texas A&M before 86,128 fans at Kyle Field.

?I said, "If we're going to get married, I'm sorry, there's one stipulation: You can't be a Carolina fan." I told her we might have to sever the relationship.

—Clemson guard Will Merritt, an Easley, S.C., native whose fianc�e, Melissa Atkins, also of Easley, had rooted for South Carolina. She's now a Tigers fan.

Reversal of Fortune
In 1961 Duke and North Carolina were tied 3-3 with 22 seconds remaining. Duke intercepted a pass at its 20 and returned the ball past midfield with six seconds left, whereupon the Blue Devils benefited from a face-mask penalty against North Carolina that moved the ball to the Tar Heels' 22-yard line. Billy Reynolds then booted a 39-yarder for a 6-3 Duke win.