The Oregon Ducks survived a thrilling contest against Boise State, securing a victory with a last-second field goal, but the aftermath has left head coach Dan Lanning focused on areas that need serious improvement. While the Ducks remain unbeaten in the early 2024 season, Lanning emphasized in post-game interviews that the team still has “a lot of things to fix” moving forward.
A Struggling Offense
Lanning acknowledged that Boise State’s defensive strategy effectively limited Oregon’s offensive production. They struggled to get the ball moving both in the interior run game and on the perimeter. Lanning explained, “They did a good job of stopping our interior run game… we struggled at times to move the ball downfield and create explosive plays” (ESPN Sports Radio -1300AM / 92.5FM).
One of the significant challenges came from the offensive line, which has historically been a strong point for the Ducks. However, Lanning admitted that their protection schemes were not executed well, leading to pressure on the quarterback and missed opportunities for downfield gains(
Defensive Hiccups
Defensively, the Ducks also faced challenges. While the unit made several key plays, including a pivotal interception in the end zone, there were notable lapses, especially against Boise State’s screen passes and trick plays. Lanning mentioned that although his team anticipated some of these plays, their execution in crucial moments was lacking (Duck Sports Authority).
Boise State’s ability to exploit certain matchups exposed vulnerabilities in Oregon’s defense that Lanning insists must be addressed. He pointed out that the team’s situational awareness and readiness for unexpected plays need work if they hope to compete at the highest level later in the season.
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Key Players and Performances
Despite the team’s struggles, there were standout performances that helped Oregon pull off the victory. Quarterback Dylan Gabriel, while under pressure for much of the game, made key decisions that kept the Ducks in contention. He threw for 380 yards, but Lanning emphasized that the team still lacked the explosive plays that could have put the game out of reach earlier (Duck Sports Authority).
Brandon Johnson also played a significant role, making critical contributions on both offense and defense, including the aforementioned interception. Lanning praised Johnson’s ability to “show up in big moments,” but also reiterated the importance of consistency across all four quarters (ESPN Sports Radio -1300AM / 92.5FM) (Duck Sports Authority).
Looking Ahead
As Oregon looks toward the remainder of the season, Coach Lanning’s focus will undoubtedly be on correcting these mistakes. Lanning highlighted that while the team celebrates victories, each win brings with it an opportunity for reflection and improvement. “We have high expectations for ourselves… every single game, we’re finding things we can clean up,” Lanning said after the Boise State game(
Oregon’s upcoming schedule includes several tough opponents, and Lanning knows that the margin for error will be slim. For the Ducks to compete for the Pac-12 title and make a run at the College Football Playoff, they will need to address both their offensive and defensive weaknesses in the coming weeks.
Final Words
In a season filled with high hopes and expectations, the Oregon Ducks are learning that there’s no room for complacency. As Coach Lanning works to fine-tune his team’s performance, the Ducks will aim to build on their strengths while addressing the key areas that need improvement. With tougher games on the horizon, the pressure is on Oregon to rise to the occasion and prove they belong among college football’s elite.
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