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The Oregon Ducks weren’t even supposed to play for the Pac-12 Championship. They were only added to the conference title game because the Washington Huskies were having Covid-19 issues, and yet they walked away with the trophy after an upset of USC in Los Angeles that guaranteed them a spot in a New Years Six bowl.
And now they might end up with the best prize of the 2020 College Football Bowl Swag Season. Oregon is facing the Iowa State Cyclones in the 2021 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, and all players involved will get a PlayStation 5 as part of their participation in the game.
And some of the players are more excited about getting the toughest holiday gift of the year to find than their championship rings.
The title sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl was not lost on Oregon WR Mycah Pittman
— Kevin Wade (@KwadeSays) December 22, 2020
“As soon as we won the Pac-12 Championship, I instantly thought PS5, then ring — and then I was like, ‘I gotta think ring, then PS5’.” pic.twitter.com/Vt8ZsnpWWB
PS5’s start at $399 retail, which is why they can be included in gift bags limited to $550 in retail value. But good luck finding one under $800 on the gray market right now. And $1000 on eBay!
Oh, and by the way: Technically players aren’t allowed to sell their bowl game gift items and retain their eligibility. So if you see a flood of PS5’s available on OfferUp or CraigsList in Ames and Eugene, don’t tell the NCAA. But we bet the overwhelming majority of these rosters use this as a holiday treat for themselves. No one loves being on the sticks more than college athletes.