Been too busy during the holidays to read websites devoted to covering Oregon football? Good. Doing so would probably have kicked your blood pressure into the danger zone. (Sorry, no links. We won't generate any more clicks for them.)
The level of vitriol runs from subtle digs to a kick in the cojones. Some posts are so nasty, you'd think the Rose Bowl isn't a football game — it's a titanic battle of good vs. evil
Evil, of course, is how Florida State is cast because of the obvious — focusing mainly on Winston, but including Dalvin Cook, P.J. Williams and others. Most of the accusations are recycled half-truths, innuendoes and spin from the New York Times.
As you might expect, there's no effort to balance the rants with silly things like facts that don't fit the narrative.
FSU fans are not spared the mean-spirited cheap shots. We're seen as amoral rednecks; the polar opposite of west coast cool.
In short, hate is what's being ginned up.
The question now is, will Oregon fans take the bait? If you're in SoCal and wearing Seminole gear, don't be shocked to hear a little snarky stuff while waiting for your Double-Double at In And Out Burger.
So if things get a little chippy, here's how to put the sanctimonious in their place. With just two words.
Jeremiah Masoli.
Yes, the Ducks have a (former) QB of their own that was no angel.
In March of 2010, Coach (Chip) Kelly suspended Masoli for the entire 2010 season after he pleaded guilty to burglary for the theft of laptops and a guitar from an OU frat house.
Masoli practiced with the team during the spring, obviously looking toward a return in 2011. But in June of 2010, Masoli was kicked off the team after arrest for marijuana possession and driving infractions.
But then Oregon knew they were getting a kid with a shady past. During high school Masoli spent nearly three months in a juvenile facility for robbery.
Those are facts you, and any Oregon fan, can Google.
How soon they forget.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?