Paolo Uggetti Oct 27, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

EUGENE, Or. -- Ron McCullough has been making the two-hour drive from Portland to Eugene for 29 seasons. He has walked into Autzen Stadium countless times, sat in Section 33 and watched as bright green trees fade into shades of amber and gold every fall. Championship-worthy or underwhelming, McCullough has bore witness to it all while never leaving an Oregon game until the clock hits triple zero.

"This," McCullough said at halftime of last week's game against Nebraska , "is the first time."

The realization strikes McCullough like a gust of wind on his way to the exit as Oregon, with two losses already on their résumé and willingly playing its third-string quarterback, is down 7-0. There are other factors -- an 8 p.m. kickoff, that aforementioned drive back home -- but McCullough wants it known. His departure is rooted in one thing.

"One of the most boring games I've ever watched. It's embarrassing," he says.…