Beyond the Score, Episode 65: Oregon endures its worst start of Dan Lanning era after loss to UCLA
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Oregon entered the season with national championship expectations. Five games in, the Ducks are 3-2, unranked, and searching for answers after a disappointing loss to UCLA.
“I don't know the answer to say, why has it been not great,” head coach Dan Lanning said after the game.
The Ducks returned much of their roster from last season and were considered one of the favorites to compete for a national championship. Now, for the first time since Lanning's first game as Oregon's head coach, the Ducks have fallen out of the rankings.
Oregon was without starting quarterback Dante Moore, but the absence of its starter doesn't explain the team's seven turnovers against UCLA.
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola struggled in his opportunity, completing just six of 19 passes for 43 yards while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. However, the offensive struggles extended well beyond the quarterback position.
Oregon converted just one of 12 third-down attempts and went zero for two on fourth down. With 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Ducks had accumulated just 118 total yards compared to UCLA's 312.
The turnover battle was another major factor. Oregon committed seven turnovers, while UCLA had three. The Bruins also controlled the clock, possessing the ball for approximately 40 minutes.
Despite the offensive struggles, Oregon's defense kept the Ducks within reach and gave them an opportunity to make a late push. But mistakes throughout the game, including missed two-point conversions, ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The result marks a low point in Lanning's tenure, and questions are beginning to emerge about the direction of the program. Oregon has invested heavily in building a championship contender, and Lanning was asked what message he had for the donors and supporters backing the team after its disappointing start.
With the Ducks sitting at 3-2 through five games, the pressure is mounting. Oregon faces 5-1 Nebraska next Saturday, followed by Northwestern before traveling to take on fourth-ranked Ohio State.
The Ducks have little margin for error if they hope to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation. After entering the season with championship aspirations, Oregon now faces a critical stretch that could determine the trajectory of its season.
For a team many expected to contend for a national title, including this reporter, the Ducks have fallen well short of expectations.
Oregon will look to respond when it hosts Nebraska at 8 p.m. Saturday. Following Raiola's difficult performance against UCLA, the backup quarterback was pulled from the game and addressed his struggles after the loss.
