In a series that had only mattered for in-state bragging rights for many years, the 1999 edition finally had some high stakes.

EUGENE, Or -- In a series that for so long had only mattered for in-state bragging rights, the 1999 Civil War finally was a matchup between two teams that had something to play for.

For 28 years a dark cloud hung over Corvallis, as the Beavers failed to register a winning season from 1971 through 1998. But in '99, under first-year head coach Dennis Erickson, Oregon State finally broke through.

The Beavers came into Autzen Stadium with a 7-3 record to face off against the Ducks who also were 7-3 at the time. It was the first time since 1948 that both programs were guaranteed a bowl game.

Both teams came in riding four game win streaks, but the Ducks were looking to avenge a 44-41 double overtime loss the year before in Corvallis.

The scoring opened with three straight Nathan Villegas field goals, the last one from 25 yards made it 9-nothing Oregon in the second quarter.

Later in that period, Rueben Droughns got his first taste of the Civil War. In 1998, Droughns broke his leg against UCLA and had to watch as the Ducks could only muster 38 rushing yards against OSU.

After a year of waiting, Droughns ran for the first Civil War touchdown of his Duck career, a 26-yard burst to the pylon. He finished the day with 197 yards on the ground, and his touchdown gave Oregon a 16-nothing halftime lead.

In the third, the Ducks added to their lead, as Joey Harrington plunged in from five yards out on the option keeper. The two point conversion was no good, making it 22-0 Oregon.

The Beavers tried to mount a comeback. Ken Simonton punched in two touchdowns, one, a five yarder in the third, and then a two yarder in the fourth.

But it wasn't enough. The Beavers hope of an upset went up in flames, just like an R-V in the Autzen parking lot that firefighters struggled to put out.

The Ducks won it 25-14, and went onto a Sun Bowl victory.

In their first bowl game since the 1965 Rose Bowl, the Beavers lost to Hawai'i in the Oahu Bowl.