The Pac 12 was the last Power Five conference to return to play after the COVID-19 global pandemic cast a cloud of doubt over the 2020 college football season. It began a six-game, conference-only schedule on Nov. 11 and will not allow anyone in the stadium beyond the players, staff and essential game day employees.
Of those not included in the authorized participants are the cheerleaders, the band and the mascot.For Oregon, its Duck has found creative ways to keep the tradition rolling. Donald, based on Disney’s Donald Duck character through a special licensing agreement, has tried his best to get into Autzen Stadium, but couldn’t break through the barriers.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 7, 2020
For Oregon’s season-opener against Stanford, he had one of the best seats in the house, considering the lack of people in the stands. Posted up on a parking garage rooftop next to the field, he continued his tradition of doing pushups for every point. But when he ran out of snacks, he went home to cheer on his fellow waterfowl.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 8, 2020
When Oregon went on the road to Pullman, Wash. in Week 2, Donald wasn’t allowed to make the trip but kept on rolling with his favorite teddy bear.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 15, 2020
Prior to Saturday’s matchup against UCLA, he had other ideas to get closer to the action.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 20, 2020
He crept his way onto the sideline and was ready to go, but he got caught and was asked to leave.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 21, 2020
After being escorted out of the stadium on Friday, Donald found himself a vantage point that was a little bit further than he might have liked.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 21, 2020
As halftime hit, like most of us, he got hungry again. But not to worry… a Hawaiian pie was delivered just in time! Pineapple shouldn’t be allowed on pizza, but we’ll let it slide this time. A duck’s gotta eat!
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 21, 2020
Oregon took a 38-28 lead over UCLA in the third quarter and Donald rushed home after getting cold to count ’em out.
— The Duck (@TheOregonDuck) November 21, 2020
The Ducks had more than 15 minutes left to play when he arrived back home, so the pushups are sure to keep coming. We’re just glad that Donald wasn’t placed on furlough.
