Dude, it went down exactly like it felt on the field: Oregon got absolutely clocked 39-31 by Oklahoma State, a game they were three-touchdown favorites in! Seriously, this was one of the worst losses in recent memory, and now it’s being reported the Cowboys *knew* what plays the Ducks were running just from quarterback Dante Moore’s foot placement. Unbelievable, right?
The Pressure Cooker Lanning Faced
You just knew head coach Dan Lanning’s weekly press conference was going to be testy, and it delivered. There were tough questions, and the program’s got major question marks hanging over it after that absolute meltdown. Lanning didn’t mince words, admitting that after analyzing the film, it “looks very similar to what it felt like on the field.” He straight up said, “we did not perform at any level that was winning football.” The only bright spot? Special teams, apparently, played “winning football.” But let’s be real, he also confirmed they “certainly lost on offense, certainly lost on defense.” Lanning took full, complete accountability, saying everything that happens in the organization is on him. He finished strong though, telling everyone they “have to perform better as players, as coaches, as an entire unit,” but that you “can’t just say it. You’ve got to show it.” Preach, coach, preach!
Plays Tipped? And Missed Receivers?
So, about this play-tipping drama: an Oklahoma State player apparently spilled the beans, saying Oregon’s offensive line had a tell for run or pass. And get this, an Indiana player from last year said they approached the game the same way! Lanning didn’t deny it, saying that “in general, you have tendencies at times; they’ll show up,” and that they “have to do a better job policing that for sure.” He added it’s “something we have to search for.” He did mention that sometimes you “want to sell certain looks,” but ultimately, it’s “something we can be better at” and they “definitely addressed” it after the game. The kicker? Even with that sign, Dante Moore “missed a lot of open receivers” where a good throw would’ve mattered a ton, making the foot placement irrelevant anyway. That’s a double whammy, and it’s frustrating as heck to hear.
The Ducks desperately need to get things right, and fast. They’re up against FCS Portland State next, which honestly sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered. This is their chance to “correct some things” before the real showdown: a huge game at USC in less than two weeks. Let’s hope they iron out these massive issues and show us they can actually “prove it” on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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