Dan Lanning on Matayo Uiagalelei facing DJ: 'Hit your brother'
On the week of Thanksgiving, everyone is preparing to spend time with their families on a holiday where we’re meant to be grateful for one another, specifically our loved one. However, the next day, Dan Lanning is hoping that Matayo Uiagalelei brings the pain in the form of some brotherly love.
Lanning addressed the unique circumstances for the Uiagalelei family with Matayo, a defensive end for the Oregon Ducks, set to get after his brother in Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei. As far as a message to his freshman before the face-off, Lanning told him to take advantage of his moment against his older sibling.
“Hit your brother,” said a laughing Lanning.
In all seriousness, though, this should be a neat moment for all of the Uiagaleleis. It doesn’t outweigh the importance of the ranked matchup between the Ducks and Beavers but, all in all, it should create a special memory for both brothers and the rest of their kin.
“Both great competitors,” said Lanning. “I think they’re probably excited to go compete against each other. Both really talented players.
“That’s not bigger than the game and they both know that. Matayo, certainly, knows that,” said Lanning. “It’ll be fun for him to go out and compete. It’ll be fun for his family. He has got a great family. I’m excited for them to get to see that.”
On one side, DJ Uiagalelei is having a great year in Corvallis with 2,418 passing yards and 26 total touchdowns. Meanwhile, less than an hour south from there, Matayo Uiagalelei is posting a decent first collegiate season with 13 tackles, two pass deflections, and a sack.
Come Thursday, families across the country will be taking snaps in backyard football games after their feasts. Then, on Friday, the Uiagalelei family will get their chance to do so on the Pac-12 stage of The Civil War inside Autzen Stadium.
Oregon vs. Oregon State point spread: Picking Ducks vs. Beavers
Oregon enters the Civil War matchup against Oregon State looking for revenge after what happened last season. The Ducks had a chance to play for a Pac-12 title prior to that game but ended up losing 38-34 as the Beavers spoiled that hope.
Now they find themselves in a similar position this year, entering as 13.5-point favorites at home.
Jake Crain, host of the ‘Crain & Company’ podcast, joined On3‘s Andy Staples on Monday to break down the game. He believes last year’s result will be on the minds of Ducks players and staff as they try to make sure not to repeat the same mistakes.
“Oregon did not forget,” Crain said. “It’s a rivalry game anyway but you got beat up in front of your family last year. They got the lead and just got it ran down their throat. You can’t get beat up in front of your wife. You gotta regain your honor.”
“Oregon is as dangerous as any team in the country when it comes to playing complimentary football. And they’re trying to win Bo Nix the Heisman,” said Crain. “If you want to look at the difference in hitting that 13.5 or maybe just a bit under? They’re trying to win this man the Heisman. There’s literally billboards all over the country and in Time Square. I think Oregon rolls in this one.”
Staples had no argument, saying he also likes Oregon to come away with the win against Oregon State. With Nix and the offense rolling the way they have, it seems there’s little that can slow them down.
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“I’ll take Oregon to win in this one,” Staples said. “The way Oregon is built right now? They should be able to slow down Oregon State’s run game and Oregon should be able to score however they want to.”