The beloved mascot of the University of Oregon, the Oregon Duck, made headlines during the College GameDay broadcast by urging an end to the viral “6-7” phenomenon. This occurred on November 11, 2023, as ESPN returned to the campus for a highly anticipated matchup against No. 15 USC at Autzen Stadium. The home team aims to secure a victory that would elevate their season record to 10–1 and improve their Big 10 standing to 7–1.
The College GameDay crew last visited Eugene, Oregon, during a previous event where Pat McAfee and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning entertained audiences by playfully removing their shirts in front of enthusiastic fans. This time, the antics escalated as the Oregon Duck took the spotlight with a poignant message. Amid the festive atmosphere, the mascot, adorned in a sailor shirt, cap, and bandana, held up a sign reading: “Can we please be done with this 6/7 thing already?”
This call to action addressed the recent slang trend “6-7,” which exploded in popularity, particularly on social media platforms. The phrase is believed to have originated from a song by American rapper Skrilla and gained traction following a viral clip featuring a child, known as the “67 Kid,” who shouted the phrase during a basketball game while performing a distinctive hand gesture. Despite its widespread use among younger audiences, the expression lacks a clear definition but has infiltrated various settings, including professional sports and educational environments.
The Oregon Duck’s stance on the issue resonated with many viewers. Following the initial display, the mascot showcased a second sign that read: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9.” This gesture sparked positive reactions from college football fans across social media. One enthusiast remarked on X, “Duck out here doing the Lord’s work,” while others praised the mascot, declaring it the best in the game.
The Oregon Duck has a history of captivating audiences this season. In September, the mascot debuted a creative look by donning a complete Labubu doll costume before Oregon’s significant victory over Oklahoma State. This came just a week after a comical incident during the team’s season opener against Montana State, where the Duck momentarily lost its head while entering the field. The mishap drew laughter and mockery on social media, further endearing the mascot to fans.
As the Oregon football team prepares for their crucial game against USC, the Duck’s playful intervention highlights the intersection of sports culture and social media trends, illustrating how mascots can engage with contemporary issues while entertaining fans. The outcome of the game will not only impact the team’s standings but also continue to shape the narrative surrounding one of college football’s most beloved symbols.
