College Football

5 takeaways from Oregon’s gutsy win over Utah Utes

5 takeaways from Oregon’s gutsy win over Utah Utes

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Had Oregon not been able to pull this victory out, then head coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham would have been walking out of Autzen Stadium with a black mark on their coaching records. One that dated back to early in the third quarter, where a decision that they made swung the momentum of the game entirely.

Up 14 points at the half, Oregon’s defense got a big stop on Utah’s first drive in the 3rd quarter. The Utes punted, and the Ducks had the ball on their own 14, looking for a long drive that could put them up three scores. Bo Nix was hobbled, but playing better than anyone expected. Things were going in the right direction.

And then Ty Thompson came on the field for the first drive of the third quarter, and Oregon ran a reverse sweep to Dont’e Thornton, and the handoff was fumbled, and Utah picked up that fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

All of a sudden, it was a 7-point game, with the Utes smelling blood.

On the next four drives, the Ducks went punt, punt, field goal, interception. The offensive momentum never returned, and if it weren’t for a dominant performance from the defense, then Oregon could have likely lost the game and tanked the end of their season, based on that one play that flipped the momentum.

“That was poor,” Lanning said of the play after the game. “It didn’t work out well, obviously. I’m glad that didn’t cost us the game, but great learning moment for me and our staff.”

Lanning got away with one, and he should be thankful for that. Had a few balls bounced the other way, I don’t think he would have lived that decision down for quite a while.

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