The Ducks are locked in, and Dan Lanning isn’t about to let anyone overlook what’s coming.
After the first day of College Football Playoff prep, Oregon’s head coach made it crystal clear: James Madison isn’t just another opponent—they’re a legitimate threat. And if his team doesn’t bring it, they’re going home.
JMU Brings Both Sides of the Ball
Lanning opened his press conference by laying out exactly what makes the Dukes dangerous. We’re talking about a team that ranks top 10 on both offense AND defense. Their quarterback can gash you with his legs. Their running back can do the same. They’ll hit you with explosive plays downfield, and defensively? They’re throwing multiple looks that require serious film study.
“You watch our offense, they create explosive plays all over the board. Their quarterback can run the ball. Their running back can run the ball. They extend it down the field. Defensively, they create a lot of issues, a lot of different looks, a ton of variety that we have to be able to practice and go through.”
Translation: Oregon better be ready for everything.
Coordinators Juggling Two Jobs Like Pros
The elephant in the room? Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi are prepping for their new head coaching gigs while still running Oregon’s offense and defense. How’s that going? According to Lanning, seamlessly.
“When we’re here at work, our hours haven’t changed and when we’re here, it’s focused on Oregon. And then outside of that time is when you have the opportunity to work on things for your other opportunities.”
That’s championship-level compartmentalization right there. Both coordinators are locked in during work hours, handling their business after. No distractions. No excuses.
And it’s not just them. Drew Azzopardi has been deeply involved in offensive game planning—run game, pass game, personnel changes, the whole nine. Chris Hampton and the defensive staff are operating as a collective unit, making decisions together rather than in silos.
Getting Healthy at the Right Time
The injury report is trending in the right direction. Gary and Dak are back on the field. Evan Williams is getting closer. Trey Benson has attacked rehab like a man possessed.
“Everybody’s closer than they were yesterday.”
That’s the kind of momentum you want heading into an elimination game.
For local kids like Bryce Boettcher, getting to play a home playoff game is the stuff of dreams. Senior Day wasn’t the end—there’s more football to be played at Autzen Stadium.
Lanning’s message throughout? Stick to the routine. One day at a time. This team has experience, they’ve been in big games, and they know how to prepare. Now it’s about execution when the lights come on.
The Ducks have the talent. They have the coaching. They have a home crowd that’s going to be absolutely electric. All that’s left is to go handle business against a JMU team that’s earned every bit of respect they’re getting.
