Dan Lanning: Justin Flowe is 'trending in the right direction' for Week 6

After missing last week’s game against Stanford due to injury, Oregon linebacker Justin Flowe has a good chance to return to action in Week 6. Ducks coach Dan Lanning appeared in his weekly press conference Monday, where he stated Flowe is “trending the right way” to play against Arizona on Saturday.

“I think things are trending the right direction for Justin,” Lanning said.

Last Saturday was the second game Flowe missed due to injury this season, as he also sat out Week 4 against BYU. In three games this season, he has recorded 19 tackles, including three for loss.

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The No. 1 linebacker in the 2020 class according to On3 Consensus, Flowe has been plauged by injuries throughout his first two seasons in Eugene. He appeared in just two games combined in 2020 and 2021 after suffering season-ending injuries both years. His potential was evident, though, as he recorded 14 tackles and a forced fumble in his only game last season.

The Oregon defense has been surprisingly middling in coach Dan Lanning’s inaugural season, giving up 30.2 points per game (ninth in the Pac-12) and 376.8 yards per game (seventh). But the return of Justin Flowe in Week 6 could be what they need to turn things around.

The Ducks are set to kick off against Arizona at 6 p.m. PT on Saturday in Tucson.

Dan Lanning: Oregon fanbase makes us elite

Oregon is known for having one of the best home field advantages in college football. Dan Lanning knew that by reputation before he landed the job as Oregon’s head coach. Now, he’s learning it’s true by experience, praising the fanbase for making the Oregon football program elite.

While speaking to the media after Oregon’s over Stanford, Dan Lanning was asked about the home atmosphere.

“I thought it was impressive, right?” Dan Lanning said. “It’s impressive, you know, like eight o’clock, you know that’s usually time to tuck it in and they came out strong.”

“I mean, Autzen and the student-section. I think one of our administrators came up to me before the game and said it’s 45 minutes till kick and the student-section is packed, and that’s what makes Oregon so special,” Dan Lanning said.

“You know, that environment here really makes us elite. So, it was a great atmosphere tonight.”

On3’s Daniel Morrison contributed to this report.