Dan Lanning: 'We've got the best quarterback in the nation'

Bo Nix and his head coach, Dan Lanning, led the Oregon Ducks to a statement victory at home on Saturday against the Colorado Buffaloes. The Ducks set the tone for the game early, both offensively and defensively, as they ran over the Buffaloes in convincing fashion, winning 42-6. 

A victory of that magnitude can say plenty about a team and their players just by the performance that they put together. And for Lanning, Saturday’s victory over Colorado says precisely what he’s known about Nix — he’s the best signal caller in the nation. 

“We’ve got the best quarterback in the nation,” said Lanning. “I know that; I can see that. You see all the plays that he throws and all the plays he can make with his feet. But you guys don’t see all the checks that he makes, you don’t see what he does for this team, you don’t see his leadership. He sent a text this morning to me that was impactful for me. That guy shapes me; that guy makes me a better person. And we got that guy on our team. So, we’re so blessed to have him.” 

Nix put on a show against the Colorado defense, carving them up through the air. The Super senior quarterback completed all but five of his 33 pass attempts for 276 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns: three passing and one rushing.

He did have one miscue in the game, which was an interception thrown midway through the second quarter. Aside from that lone interception, Nix was lights out against Colorado. 

Lanning says Oregon still has plenty to improve

While Oregon won in convincing fashion, Lanning thinks his team still has higher heights it can reach. For an undefeated Ducks squad playing as well as any in the country, being on the precipice of another level of play is a scary thought — but one Lanning shared after the game with sideline reporter Katie George.

“That they’re ready to get better. They’re hungry to get better. We’re certainly not satisfied. This is one game. Now we’re on to the next one. We gotta focus on the next. There’s a lot that we can improve from that game. Fun, energetic on the field. But our guys have a standard to uphold,” Lanning said.

The Ducks also tried to pitch a shutout, but fell just short giving up a touchdown in the dying stages of the game.

Despite that blemish, Lanning was pleased with his defense quieting a Colorado offense that had been prolific to start the year. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered averaging 417 yards a game. He finished with 159 on Saturday. He had one passing touchdown while avoiding any interceptions. He was sacked seven times.