No. 13 Oregon Set to Face Hawaii in Final Nonconference Showdown
In their last nonconference game of the regular season, the No. 13 Oregon Ducks are gearing up to host the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. To preview the matchup and reflect on their recent victory against Texas Tech, Oregon’s defensive coordinator, Dan Lanning, held a press conference where he shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and upcoming challenges.
Lanning expressed his mixed emotions about the team’s flight back from Texas Tech. While he was proud of their composure, he also acknowledged the situations they put themselves in during the game. Penalties were a major focus in their preparations for the Hawaii game, as Lanning emphasized the need to eliminate careless errors that could cost them dearly. By addressing these issues and drilling them into their gameplay, the Ducks aim to become a more disciplined team.
Despite the challenges faced, Lanning commended the team’s ability to handle various situations effectively. Whether it was responding to a blocked punt or not converting a fourth-and-one opportunity, the Ducks demonstrated their resilience and adaptability. Lanning also pointed out that Hawaii possesses a unique offensive scheme, reminiscent of the playing style of former player Timmy Chang, known for his phenomenal skills.
One aspect that Lanning highlighted as an area for improvement was defensive pass interference penalties (DPIs). He expressed confidence that coaching and specific drills could help the team address and enhance this aspect of their gameplay. Lanning also noted that there may be times when they face opponents who are immune to such defensive strategies, drawing a comparison with their game against Washington State last season.
Lanning praised Jahlil Florence, a player with the potential to become a phenomenal talent, but also acknowledged the ups and downs he experienced in the previous game. Additionally, Lanning mentioned that quarterback Bo Nix has been sliding more, an indication of his growing maturity on the field.
The defensive coordinator also discussed their defensive strategy against tempo offenses, revealing that they implemented a substitution approach to counter the opposition’s speed. However, Lanning admitted that they could have used Jordan Burch, a defensive player, more effectively in that game. The team worked on improving their defense against quarterback runs in preparation for the Hawaii matchup.
Analyzing the run game against Texas Tech, Lanning indicated that its efficiency was a mix of successes and setbacks. He credited Texas Tech for having strong counter-run responses. Furthermore, Lanning discussed the team’s approach to 2-point attempts, explaining that it allows them to create an early advantage when the right opportunity arises.
Lastly, Lanning stressed the importance of the Hawaii game from a recruiting perspective. Hawaii has consistently produced talented players, making them an important region for Oregon to scout for future prospects.
As the Ducks prepare to take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, they are mindful of the areas that need improvement. Lanning emphasized the significance of eliminating penalties, working on defensive pass interference, and optimizing their run game while appreciating the strengths of their opponents. With the regular season drawing to a close, Oregon is focused on ending their nonconference journey on a high note.
