Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning addressed the media following his team’s 38-27 Rose Bowl loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, expressing disappointment but also acknowledging the challenges faced during the game. Lanning remarked, “We didn’t really have the ability to stop them,” referencing Ohio State’s explosive offense that consistently exploited gaps in Oregon’s defense throughout the matchup.
Despite a promising start and a valiant effort from his players, the Ducks struggled to contain Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Lanning pointed out the difficulties in stopping the Buckeyes’ prolific receiving corps, which included standout performances from both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. “They’re a well-oiled machine and we didn’t have an answer for their speed and precision,” Lanning admitted.
The Ducks’ defense, which had been a strong point earlier in the season, faced unprecedented pressure from the Ohio State offense. Lanning noted the need for improvement in tackling and coverage as the team looks toward the future. “We’re going to learn from this and come back stronger,” he vowed.
As the Ducks reflect on their Rose Bowl performance, Lanning remains optimistic about the program’s trajectory. With a commitment to fortifying the defense and enhancing overall team depth, he is focused on turning this setback into a stepping stone for next season. The Ducks will aim to regroup and build towards a more competitive campaign in the coming year.
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