Oregon will be invited to play in the Cotton Bowl if the Ducks beat Oregon State on Saturday, the university announced late Friday afternoon.
"The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association wanted to avoid any speculation and has invited us contingent on beating Oregon State," Oregon athletic director Bill Moos said. "It's a well-deserved honor for this group of football players and coaches."The issue ignited controversy earlier this week when Washington coach Jim Lambright dismissed Oregon as a lucky and overrated team and said his Huskies deserved the Cotton Bowl bid.
But Cotton Bowl officials preferred Oregon because of its higher ranking, better overall record and the fact that the Ducks had beaten Washington. If Oregon loses to Oregon State, Washington presumably would get the bid, if the Huskies beat Washington State.