Dan Lanning Talks Michigan Stadium, Traeshon Holden

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning spoke with media following Oregon’s 38-17 handling of the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. Below are the most notable questions and quotes from Lanning’s interview, as well as my thoughts at the end.

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Opening Statement

“I’m proud of the way our guys performed today. I thought they came in, handled some adversity really early, and just really impressed with their composure throughout the game and the focus on the next play. We talked about how physical this team was and we knew we were going to get their best.”

“We talked about eliminating the crowd in this game. The warriors are the one who fight the battle and control the atmosphere. I think everyone in the nation needs to recognize what kind of quarterback we have.”

On running back Jordan James‘ rushing performance:

“He’s obviously a great player and he’s continued to be a really good player for us all year. He’d be the first person to tell you that that offensive line did a great job to give him those opportunities.”

On wide receiver Tez Johnson‘s injury:

“We’re still figuring it out. I really don’t have the details right now. He wasn’t available to come back in the game but I don’t know any more than that.”

On what quarterback Dillon Gabriel has brought to Oregon’s offense:

“This guy’s Cool Hand Luke. Even that last big pass to Traeshon (Holden), that wasn’t the initial play. Those guys activated scramble drill and turned it into a big play.”

On slow starts in second halves:

“Yeah there’s a trend. It’s something that we’re aware of and attacking. They came out and got a three and out in the first possession so it’s something we want to improve on.”

On the atmosphere at Michigan Stadium:

“It gets loud on third down. This is a special place but like I’ve said all week the warriors control the atmosphere and I thought our guys did a great job handling that.”

On what this win proved for Oregon:

“Just that we’re continuing to get better. The next opponent is the next opponent and that’s who we have to play. There’s a lot of talent on that team and they’re well-coached but our best is good enough.”

On Holden’s resurgence:

“I’m most impressed by his composure and taking advantage of the opportunities that came his way. He was a big-time player for us tonight.”

On what he’s appreciating about this season:

“I said this on the field after the game, I don’t know how many people get to go to work and genuinely say they love everyone they work with and I think that’s what makes this so special.”

“I have a feeling that guys who go to their everyday job don’t really get to experience that. My goal is for the people around me to get to accomplish their goals and I think you’re starting to see that happen.”

On Michigan’s trick plays:

“Yeah ultimately they’ve had a lot of success on trick plays this season whether it’s flea flickers, reverse passes. They hit one earlier in the game and we were aware that people were going to be leaking out and we spent a lot of time on that.”

“I think it’s an unbelievable play by Matayo (Uiagalelei) that’s going to go kind of unsung and we talk about farming your own land, do your job and he did a great job of it on that play.

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Linden’s Take

Despite some periodic snafus that hindered what could have been a more serious blowout, Oregon was able to handle business against a quality opponent on the road today. This was one of the games fans had circled on their calendars since the offseason and for that to turn into an emphatic win speaks volumes about what the Ducks have become this year.

Lanning and his staff now turn their attention to visiting Maryland who Oregon will host at Autzen Stadium next Saturday.

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