Cunning Coaching Call Seals Victory for Oregon
In a thrilling Big Ten showdown, No. 2 Oregon edged out No. 4 Ohio State 32-31, thanks to a daring tactical move by coach Dan Lanning. With the game hanging in the balance, Lanning’s unorthodox strategy paid off, securing the win and propelling the Ducks to the second spot in the AP Top 25.
A Calculated Risk
Trailing by a single point with 1:47 remaining, Oregon took the lead with Atticus Sappington’s 19-yard field goal. The Buckeyes had time to mount a comeback, but Lanning had a plan. As Ohio State faced a third-and-25 from Oregon’s 43-yard line, the Ducks called a timeout with 10 seconds left. That’s when defensive back Dontae Manning casually strolled onto the field, giving Oregon an extra defender.
The Ploy Unfolds
Ohio State attempted a pass against Oregon’s 12-man defense, but it fell incomplete. The Ducks were flagged for an illegal substitution penalty, gaining Ohio State five yards but crucially losing four seconds off the clock. The Buckeyes were left with just six seconds to work with, and quarterback Will Howard’s desperate scramble up the middle came up short.
Lanning’s Masterstroke
Lanning revealed that this clever tactic was the result of meticulous preparation. “We spend an inordinate amount of time on situations that don’t come up very often in college football,” he explained. “This was obviously something we had worked on, and you can see the result.” The coach’s bold move not only secured the win but also showcased his team’s adaptability and strategic prowess.
A New Era of College Football
Oregon’s daring victory has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. As the Ducks rise to No. 2 in the AP Top 25, fans and coaches alike are taking notice of Lanning’s innovative approach. Will this bold strategy become the new norm in college football? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Dan Lanning’s name is on everyone’s lips.
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