Dan Lanning after Utah demolition: 'Our best is ahead of us'
Dan Lanning said Oregon played its most complete game of the season Saturday in a 35-6 win over Utah.
The Ducks scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions to jump all over the Utes early and neutralize a crowd that can and has made a difference in football games.
“Extremely proud of our team,” Lanning said after the game. “I thought this was our most complete game. We played a four-quarter game. From start to finish, we faced moments of adversity. Our guys never flinched. It was really complementary football from offense, defense, special teams, field position.
“I thought we played our most complete game since I’ve been the head coach here against a really good team. We expected it to be a battle. We talked about winning in the trenches, we talked about winning the takeaway battle, and that showed up today.”
Oregon outgained the Utes 6.7-3.7 on a per-play basis. The Ducks held Utah to 5-of-15 on third downs and 1-for-3 on fourth down. Oregon had two takeaways and gave it back only once — a rare turnover from Bucky Irving where Utah’s Junior Tafuna made an outstanding play.
A punishing ground game for Utah was held in check. Bryson Barnes, who had really blossomed in recent weeks, threw two interceptions. Sione Vaki was a nonfactor.
Oregon made a statement.
And the vibes in the locker room are excellent right now.
“They’re fired up. There’s a lot of dancing and singing going on in there,” Lanning said with a smile. “But I asked the team afterwards are you guys satisfied? Every single one of them said no, which, for me, is exciting as a coach. These guys are ready to grow and get better.
“Our best is ahead of us and the next week is the most important week. That’s the way it’s going to continue to be for us going forward.”