Nagging Question Hangs Over Dan Lanning and the Ducks

Saturday early evening in Autzen Stadium, Oregon survived a disciplined, inspired, well-coached Idaho team that spotted them 22 scholarships at the start of the game.

Oregon showed a lot of poise in icing the game in the 4th quarter. With the Vandals riding all the momentum after pulling within 17-14 with 9:42 to go in the game Dillon Gabriel led a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive for the decisive score, flipping a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson on 4th and 2.

Nikko Reed then came up with a big play on defense, an acrobatic interception down the right sideline, preserving a hard-earned, shockingly close 24-14 win.

But the problem that emerged came earlier. Throughout the game the Ducks looked heavy-legged and sluggish. The team lacked juice.

Linemen were late to their blocks and slow-footed in pass protection. They flubbed the snap count and lined up illegally. Running backs lost their balance with wide open field in front of them. On one 4th and 1 play, the left tackle tripped over the fullback.

Great veteran coaches like Pete Carroll and Chris Petersen excelled at knowing when to taper off a little, bringing their team to a game with fresh legs.

Duck fans love Dan Lanning for his passion,  conviction and intensity. He's driven and 100% real. But a game like this should inspire some self-evaluation: The Ducks came out of camp banged-up and looking tired. Did he push them too hard?

Nobody gets to see practice except the in-house reporters and the video team, tight shots only. We can only make observations from what we see,  a too-close game against Idaho.