Everything Dan Lanning said after Oregon's upset win over Ohio State

The Oregon Ducks left no doubt, going on the road and stomping the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41-28, and pulling off an upset that will keep the team's slim postseason hopes alive. After trailing early, the Ducks stormed back and scored 38 points in a row en route to a blowout win.

Dan Lanning made sure the Ducks stayed aggressive, converting eight times on third down and using a fake punt deep in their own territory to flip the momentum before halftime. Dylan Raiola shined again, throwing for 257 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense limited standout receiver Jeremiah Smith for much of the game.

Just a few weeks after all hope looked lost for the Ducks this season, back-to-back wins that saw the offense explode with points and the defense suffocate opponents in the second half have Oregon back in the playoff conversation. Lanning isn't looking that far ahead just yet, but it's clear he has found the winning combination with this group.

After the season-defining win, Lanning opened up on what worked for the Ducks, and what the team can take away from a monumental upset win on the road. Here is everything Lanning had to say after Oregon's big win at Ohio State.

Opening Statement

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning speaks to the referee in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 7, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Slow Start

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore (1) catches the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Kyle Parker (5) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 7, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Momentum

Oregon outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei makes a catch on a fake punt as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes on Nov. 7, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

"Obviously, if it didn't work, you guys can have a day with me, especially in our own territory. But that's where fakes do work, right? We felt like we punted a couple times at that point. We'd seen their look, and we felt confident. 'Hey, it's going to be there.' I don't know how many times we ran that in practice. You talk about your players consistently in team meetings and special teams, and then you get an opportunity to go execute on the field, and it has the success that it has. I think everybody's like, 'OK, we got this. Let's go.' And it certainly created some momentum and gave us a chance to kind of settle in and even out the score a little bit there earlier and get into a rhythm."