An early exit in last season’s Playoffs fueling Dan Lanning’s Ducks

EUGENE, Ore. — Despite being 13-0, Big Ten Champs and the No. 1 overall seed in last season’s Playoffs, Oregon put together an embarrassing performance in the Rose Bowl, and couldn’t finish the job.

The humbling experience of being an early exit in the postseason didn’t sit well with Coach Dan Lanning, or his players, and now they’re using it as motivation for the showdown Saturday night at Autzen Stadium against James Madison. Although it will be the Ducks’ first-ever, Playoff game in their own backyard, and they’re heavy favorites over the Dukes, Lanning refuses to take the opposition lightly.

And rightfully so. After all, James Madison won the Sun Belt, which was a highly-competitive conference this fall. Not to mention the Dukes have won 11-straight games. Lanning knows Coach Bob Lesney will have James Madison ready for the battle, and studies Oregon’s loss at home to Indiana on a daily basis.

However, the Ducks have nothing to hide, considering they got superior talent, and a home crowd that’s infamous for being one of the nation’s loudest. Having his players mentally, physically and emotionally ready for this blockbuster matchup can be challenging, especially when it comes to adversity, but Lanning is confident the Ducks want to go out and make a statement.

“You want everybody to be ready for their opportunity when it comes, but there’s been moments in the past where an injury happens, and there’s a huge slide-off, so there’s a big difference with who’s out on the field for you, and what it’s going to look like,” Lanning said. “I think our coaches have done a good job adapting to the personnel that’s available, and our players have done a great job stepping up for those moments, and when you have that, you’re able to have team success, so strength in numbers been huge for us.”

The Ducks are as healthy as they’re going to get. Quarterback Dante Moore has played sharp, and made good decisions down the stretch of the season. Wideouts Gary Bryant Jr., and Dakorien Moore, who combined for seven touchdown receptions, will be back in the lineup. Oregon’s offensive line happens to be one of three finalists for the Joe Moore Award, and there’s a lot of speed at the skill positions.

Lanning is a defensive-minded coach, and that side of the ball is a team strength too. The Ducks are only allowing 14.83 points per game, which is ninth-best in the FBS. Regardless, the Dukes’ offense will be a major test, considering they have put up 50-plus points in four of the past seven games.

Which is why Lanning is taking everything James Madison is capable of into consideration. Oregon has been through physical practices, dealt with injuries, and is determined to advance to the next round of the Playoffs. In Lanning’s eyes, it’s time to separate the weak from the strong.

“I think we have a team that has worked really hard, been very consistent, and their routine has been really dialed in throughout the season,” he said. “They’ve done a great job of maintaining that throughout the year, because it can be a long season.”

Some analysts feel James Madison is more than capable of pulling off an upset. The Dukes have nothing to lose, everything to gain, and want to prove they belong, so what better way to do that than by taking down one of the top teams from the Big Ten. Lanning understands that his team will have a slim margin for error, and must take care of business in the trenches.

“They realize right now, it’s win or go home, so they want to give their absolute best.”