Dan Lanning after beating Utah: 'Our best shows up when everyone else doubts us'

Oregon wanted to make a statement after their loss to Washington that, at the time, essentially removed them from College Football Playoff contention. The Ducks then did exactly that in their 20-17 win over Utah in a highly-ranked Pac-12 matchup this weekend. After several counted out Dan Lanning’s team following their loss to the Huskies, he said he almost appreciated it after the win over the Utes because of how it fuels his players.

Lanning said he believes his team fought for a purpose during his press conference after Saturday night’s victory. He said they worried about themselves and, in the end, they proved their doubters wrong with nothing more than the final score.

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“We talked about playing this game with an uncommon purpose. We wanted to play this game for stuff bigger than us…This game was about it being an ultimate team win and really not worrying about the opinions of others,” said Lanning. “I think sometimes our best shows up when everyone else doubts us, which we certainly take note of.”

For example, Lanning took note of College Gameday’s predictions where the table was a clean sweep in favor of Utah. To go from a CFP contender to falling outside the picture changed plenty of people’s perspectives on Oregon. However, Lanning’s team could have cared less because of what they still have to play for this season.

The Ducks are well aware of the second spot that’s still at stake in the Pac-12 title game. They also know what could lie ahead for them in their postseason. That’s why opinions and takes meant nothing to them over this last week. As Lanning said, Oregon is focused on what it can control which, as of now, is how they prepare for the Beavers next.

“There’s an awareness, obviously, of what exists in front of us. But I think we’ve played our best when we’ve focused on what’s next,” Lanning said. “That was an elite game. All of our focus and attention was on that game. Now it’s gonna be on the next one and you worry about the things you can control. What we can control is how we go perform now against a really good Oregon State team.”

“We’re gonna enjoy this win tonight and then tomorrow we’re gonna be hard at work for that.”