Yogi Roth thinks Dan Lanning should remain aggressive in Washington rematch

Dan Lanning’s aggressiveness in Oregon‘s first meeting with Washington proved to be the Ducks’ undoing. It’s worked out in every other instance for Lanning this season — but does he continue that trend in Saturday’s Pac-12 Championship game against the Huskies?

Oregon failed to convert three key fourth-down conversions in the first meeting of the season, which resulted in a 36-33 win for Washington. According to Pac-12 Network analyst Yogi Roth, if any of those plays were converted, it would be a no-brainer for Lanning to continue the same aggressiveness this weekend.

“What I really appreciated about Dan Lanning, I imagine you’d agree because you’ve gotten to know him too, is he’s always said from day one is that he’s got to have a growth mindset,” Roth told Staples on his show. “I referenced their DNA traits. There were multiple times last year, this year, he’s like I’m learning as a head coach until I’ve been doing this as long as Nick Saban or Kirby Smart, and I love that about the humility that he continues to showcase because I think it’s really reflective on his team.”

Based on that logic, it’s in Lanning’s nature to be aggressive as a head coach. While he’s still learning the ropes — especially in big-time moments — he is willing to trust his guys and take a gamble when he feels necessary.

Still, Saturday’s conference title game is a win-and-you’re-in situation for both programs regarding the College Football Playoff. Stakes were lower earlier in the season — this time, every decision Lanning makes could dictate whether the Ducks end up CFP-bound or not.

“My favorite part of getting to know coaches’ personalities is that you can kind of predict when games are tight — what are they going to go be? Who are they going to go be? What are they going to do? Dan Lanning is going to be aggressive. Kalen DeBoer is going to be aggressive,” Roth continued. “This is not going to be a playfield, position type of game by any stretch I imagined from the jump. It will not be reckless, but it is going to be aggressive on both sides.”

The opening kickoff for Saturday’s Pac-12 Championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. WT live on ABC. Oregon is a 9.5-point favorite over the undefeated Huskies heading into the matchup, according to Vegas Insider. The over/under is set at 65.5 total points.