Dan Lanning, Oregon 'feel a certain way' about last year's loss to Washington

Year One was a success for Dan Lanning at Oregon but one thing stands out about the season. In the final three weeks of the regular season, the Ducks lost both of their rivalry games. Washington was able to win in Eugene, with Oregon State was victorious in the Civil War.

Lanning will be looking to right his wrong in 2023, with his first opportunity coming on Saturday against Washington. Stakes have never been higher, with both teams being ranked inside the top 10 of the AP poll. Last season’s game is going to be motivation for Oregon after Lanning believes they were not able to take care of business.

“We want to go up there and win,” Lanning said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “We feel a certain way about how we didn’t take care of business last year. You want to go out there and put your best foot forward and perform.

“We know it’s going to be a great environment. We know that they’re a great team. So, really just focused on the next play, next moment, what can we do best? And the rest will take care of itself.”

Oregon will feel like they should have won last season’s Washington game. Getting the ball back with just over three minutes remaining at home in a tied game is usually a good scenario. However, a quick three-and-out occurred before Lanning took a risk, going for it on his own 34-yard line.

The yard required was not gained and Washington had a short field, hitting a field goal four plays later. Oregon had under a minute to drive down to tie or win but wound up coming up short. It’s certainly a winnable game fumbled by Lanning.

Dropping the game meant Oregon suffered its second loss of the season, effectively ending their hopes of making the College Football Playoff. With the game being played on Nov. 12 and the Ducks being ranked No. 6 at the time, they were alive.

Winning on Saturday would undoubtedly put Oregon back in a similar position. Not only would last year’s game be avenged but Lanning would see his team skyrocket to the favorite to win the Pac-12. A few tests are still on the schedule but none as big as facing Washington at Husky Stadium.

The feeling of losing in 2022 is going to drive Lanning heading into the 2023 matchup.