For No. 6 Oregon HC Dan Lanning and his fellow coaches, while physical traits matter, intangibles count. While you can test for speed, strength, and all visible athletic talents, what a player brings that you cannot ideally see but feel also matters.
Since his hiring, Lanning’s sole focus has been getting the Ducks over the metaphorical hump and finally winning a national championship. Granted, that takes high-level athletes, but the coach also believes it takes something far more profound.
Oregon HC Dan Lanning Discusses QB Dante Moore’s Improvement
If you watch enough interviews, the ability to read a coach can become clear. When a coach takes time to veer into one topic while discussing another, that signals a level of importance that resonates with him.
During a sit-down on the “Infinity Sports Network” YouTube channel, where Lanning discussed many topics, he made sure to offer his thoughts on his quarterback.
“I mean, he’s continued to grow. He’s always been a mature guy,” Lanning explained.
“The way he connects with teammates and the relationships he creates, but he’s gotten better. You know, he’s gotten better every single day that he’s been here, and we’ve always felt like he’s had a lot of arm talent and ability. I think that’s showing up for everybody else in the nation to see this year.”
Moore, a redshirt sophomore, started his career at UCLA before transferring. Last season, he sat behind starter Dillon Gabriel, biding his time. Now, he broke onto the national scene, connecting on 74.7% of his passes for 962 yards with 11 touchdowns and just one interception.
Oregon, under Moore, boasts the seventh-ranked scoring offense in FBS, averaging 50.75 points per game.
College Football Predictions Week 5: Projecting Every Single Game Including Oregon vs. Penn State
On the same side of the ball, wide receiver Evan Stewart suffered a knee injury earlier in the summer. Lanning provided an update leading up to Saturday’s big game in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, against No. 3 Penn State.
“He’s doing great, and it’ll be interesting to see when we’re able to get him back; potentially, he’s coming in here with a great attitude every day. He’s attacking his rehab.”
Last year, Stewart was an integral part of the Oregon offense, scoring five touchdowns and averaging 12.8 yards per grab.
This matchup with the Nittany Lions proves difficult for more than a couple of reasons. First, the kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The winds around the stadium become unpredictable, which could affect kicking and certain throws.
The forecast says the temperature could drop into the low 60s at game time. While not cold, the weather in Eugene is a bit different.
Most importantly, Penn State realizes the magnitude of this game. Last season, the Ducks defeated the Nittany Lions 45-37 in the Big Ten Championship. Under those circumstances, add in the “White Out” conditions, where PSU encourages the fans to wear all white, causing a distraction, and the game could become tricky for the visitor.
Can Oregon find a way to thrive in hostile conditions? If they do, the No. 6 Ducks could be on their way to finally bringing some championship glory back to Eugene, Oregon.
