Paul Finebaum reacts to Dan Lanning's decisions in loss to Washington

One could make the case that it was Dan Lanning’s decision-making that led to Oregon’s 36-33 loss at Washington this weekend. Even so, Paul Finebaum only had so much of an issue with it considering what those calls represented.

Finebaum opened ‘The Matt Barrie Show’ on Sunday by saying that Lanning is what, or better yet who, stood out to him this weekend. He understood both sides of it as, in hindsight, he knows the Ducks didn’t win in the end but did also note that he did what many coaches are too afraid to do.

“I think if you look at it in total? You understand and appreciate his aggressiveness – and he almost pulled it off. But the sum total of it was extremely negative,” Finebaum said.

“I, frankly, didn’t object to his last call – just try to win the game right here. Too many coaches play games. A three-yard reception? The game’s over,” said Finebaum. “But it was more the call earlier. He just looked like he was just way too reckless.”

You really can look at Lanning’s process both ways.

On one hand, finishing with a three-point loss when you turn it over on downs three times is a gut punch. If you take your points on any of those, the result may very well be different.

However, on the other hand, Lanning was clearly going for the throat in a Top-10 rivalry game. The first was an opportunity to go up three at the half rather than trail. The second was another shot within the 10-yard line and in the red zone towards the end of the third. Finally, the third could’ve closed it out for Oregon completely had they converted on the Huskies’ side of the field.

In the end, Oregon only lost this game by three points and could have sent it to overtime had Camden Lewis made his kick at the buzzer. That’s why, with all aspects and outcomes considered, Finebaum did come away with some level of admiration for Lanning and the gambles that he took in a high-stakes matchup.

“I still came away respecting Dan Lanning, though. I respect this guy,” said Finebaum. “At the end of the afternoon, are you going to tell me Washington is better than Oregon? I mean it was an amazing game.”

Lanning explains decisions vs. Washington, takes responsibility for loss

Lanning had the opportunity to explain his decision-making in his postgame presser.

“We felt like our defense was playing well,” Lanning said. “That being said, it didn’t work. So, obviously, that will be second-guessed.”

With all of those decisions being coaching ones, Lanning took the blame for the loss. He said if anybody is going to be pointing fingers, they should direct them his way. That’s something you would expect from a head coach following a tough loss.

“I think this game is 100% on me,” Lanning said. “You don’t have to look anywhere else besides me.”

The good thing for Lanning is they still have plenty of football to play. Oregon just needs to win games down the stretch. If so, they will still have the chance to compete for the College Football Playoff. Getting back on the right track against Washington State will be the first priority first.