Dan Lanning says Oregon players are 'dialed in' for UCLA game

The Oregon Ducks have a huge upcoming test on Saturday when they take on the undefeated UCLA Bruins in a top-25 matchup. Oregon is 1-1 this season in topped ranked matchups, with that one loss in their season opener against the Georgia Bulldogs. That is also Oregon’s only loss on the season. So heading into Saturday’s game, what does Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning believe his team will use from their one loss? Nothing.

“Yeah, again, play the game not the moment. And I think our guys are more dialed in. Really not concerned about all the other pieces,” said Lanning when asked about the team’s preparation for UCLA.

Lanning is attempting to channel the same head coaching energy from when he was under Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. And he’s been doing an excellent job of that so far. For Lanning, his Oregon squad must focus on executing their game plan regardless of who is on the other side of the field. There is no such thing as playing up or down to your opponent. There is going out there, executing the game plan and beating their opponent. Just like the Ducks have done to every opponent following their one loss.

Aside from Oregon’s stumble out of the gate, the Ducks have defeated a couple of quality opponents in BYU and Washington state. If Oregon wants to add UCLA to that list, then they will likely have to follow their head coach’s direction and not worry about the outside noise. And make sure that they are dialed in as they have been since their lone loss of the season.

Lanning discusses Oregon’s final preparations for UCLA

Lanning met with reporters on Wednesday for his midweek press conference and discussed the Ducks’ looming top-10 showdown with UCLA in Eugene.

The No. 10-ranked Ducks are looking to improve to 6-1 on the season and take sole possession of first place in the Pac-12 standings. But in order to get there, they will have to top a Bruins squad that is arguably Oregon’s biggest threat to a conference title at this point.

“These are games that don’t take a lot of pep talks,” Lanning said. “Guys are excited. We all realize the moment here. Guys want to play at a high level. But it’s also about keeping that energy directed. That’s what it’s about; a one-play focus.”