An Oregon family's dream matchup is about to become a reality, but with a twist they never saw coming! When rivals become family, who do you root for?
The Adkisson family, from Salem, Oregon, never imagined a scenario where their beloved universities would clash on the football field. But fate had other plans. Hailey Adkisson, a proud James Madison University (JMU) alumna, and her husband Derek, an Oregon Ducks fan through and through, are now gearing up for an unexpected showdown.
A few years back, their son Nolan posed a hypothetical question to Hailey: what if JMU faced off against Oregon? Hailey's response? It's a far-fetched idea, almost impossible. But the universe had other plans.
Fast forward to two weeks ago, and the Adkissons found themselves in a unique predicament. JMU, the Sun Belt champions, secured their spot in the College Football Playoff after Duke's stunning upset in the ACC title game. As the playoff field was announced, Derek's phone lit up with texts from friends, all pointing out the intriguing family dilemma.
The 12-team playoff has set the stage for a thrilling first-round matchup between the No. 5 Ducks and the No. 12 seed Dukes, leaving the Adkissons divided. Hailey and Derek, along with their three children, were planning a weekend trip to Sun River, but now they're adjusting their plans to ensure they catch every thrilling moment of the game.
Hailey, a 2009 JMU graduate, reminisces about her college days when the stadium held a mere 14,000 people, a far cry from the current capacity of over 24,000. She's ready to don her purple sweatshirt and represent her alma mater, even if she's outnumbered by Duck fans. But Derek has other ideas, vowing to dress the kids in Green and Yellow, with a Mariota jersey for himself and a Duck shirt for their daughter.
The family banter and friendly trash talk have been building up over the past two weeks, and it's set to reach a fever pitch on game day. Hailey, while acknowledging the odds, is relishing the opportunity to compete against her husband, even if it's just for bragging rights.
But here's where it gets controversial: in a family divided, who do you cheer for? Do you side with the underdog, or do you stick with the team you've supported for years? And what happens when the game ends? Will the family's love for each other overcome the rivalry, or will the outcome create a new dynamic?
The game between No. 12 James Madison (12-1) and No. 5 Oregon (11-1) is set to kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Autzen Stadium. You can catch all the action on TNT/HBO Max or stream it on DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (day pass).
Stay tuned as this family's story unfolds, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Would you cheer for your alma mater or side with your spouse? Let's get the conversation started!
