On August 31st, the Oregon Ducks, who entered their season opener as nearly 40-point favorites, were met with a surprising challenge from the Idaho Vandals. The Ducks, ranked third nationally and making their debut as Big Ten members, narrowly secured a 24-14 victory in what was expected to be a one-sided affair. Instead, the Vandals put up a fight that exposed several areas of concern for Oregon as they look to navigate a tougher conference schedule this season.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning faced the media after the game, acknowledging the unexpected difficulty of the match. Lanning's opening statement was a testament to Idaho’s preparedness and determination. "Different than what we thought it might look like," he said, offering praise to Idaho for their disciplined play. "They didn’t give us anything for free. A lot of learning moments for us."
Lanning’s comments underscored the importance of learning from close contests, especially in the early part of the season. "Great teams are able to learn from tight matches, and this was a tight match," he emphasized. The Ducks’ struggle to create explosive plays and their lapses on defense were critical points of reflection for the coach and his staff.
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Oregon’s offense, led by transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel, managed to accumulate 380 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the overall performance was far from what fans and analysts had anticipated. The Ducks’ inability to establish a consistent running game and their difficulty in generating big plays downfield were significant issues.
Lanning noted the Vandals’ defensive success in disrupting Oregon’s interior run game and limiting their ability to stretch the field. "They did a good job of stopping our interior run game, and we struggled at times to get the ball to the perimeter," Lanning explained. Despite Gabriel’s solid yardage, the Ducks' offense was often stymied by Idaho’s ability to stay on top of their defensive assignments and apply pressure at key moments.
The Ducks’ offensive line, typically a strength, also faced challenges in protecting Gabriel. Lanning highlighted an early sack that resulted from a miscommunication in pass protection. "An early sack there was one we actually gave chip protection on the edge and knocked him into an available gap where he was able to create pressure," Lanning said, indicating that the offensive line’s performance would be a focus in upcoming practices.
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On the defensive side of the ball, Oregon’s performance was a mixed bag. While the Ducks made some critical stops, there were several lapses that allowed Idaho to stay within striking distance throughout the game. The Vandals managed to capitalize on Oregon’s defensive miscues, including a 36-yard touchdown pass and a 4-yard rushing touchdown that narrowed the Ducks’ lead to just three points late in the game.
Lanning acknowledged both the positives and the areas needing improvement. "We were poor against the screen at times, some of our situational play where we knew tricks would come up," he said. Despite being aware of Idaho’s tendency to run trick plays, the Ducks struggled to execute their defensive schemes effectively in those situations.
One bright spot on defense was the play of linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who filled in for an absent teammate and displayed a high level of energy and commitment. Lanning praised Boettcher’s effort, saying, "I know Bryce flies around, I know it means a lot to him, and he cares."
Additionally, Matayo Uiagalelei, a standout on the defensive line, played a crucial role in keeping the Vandals’ offense in check. However, even he admitted that the team was caught off guard by Idaho’s resilience. "You can never doubt an opponent," Uiagalelei said, tipping his hat to Idaho for their strong performance. "Shoot, it was a close game. I don't think we were expecting that."
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While the Ducks’ offense had its struggles, wide receiver Tez Johnson was a bright spot in the game. Johnson caught 12 passes for 81 yards and both of Gabriel's touchdown throws. His ability to find space and make plays was crucial in keeping Oregon ahead, especially during the tense moments of the second half.
Johnson’s performance was a continuation of his impressive 2023 season, where he set an Oregon single-season record with 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite his strong showing against Idaho, Johnson echoed the need for the team to improve, particularly in the red zone. "We’ve just got to finish. That’s exactly what it is. We have to finish in the red zone," Johnson said, reflecting the team’s overall sentiment after the narrow victory.
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Before the game, the Ducks held a moment of silence to honor Khyree Jackson, a former Oregon cornerback who tragically passed away in a car accident in July. Jackson, who was preparing for his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, was remembered along with former Oregon tight end Spencer Webb, who died in a climbing accident ahead of the 2023 season.
This season, Oregon’s helmets feature stickers commemorating both Jackson and Webb, serving as a reminder of the teammates the Ducks have lost in recent years. The tribute added an emotional layer to the game, reinforcing the importance of resilience and unity within the team.
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As the Ducks move forward from their unexpected test against Idaho, there are several key areas that Coach Lanning and his staff will need to address. The offensive line’s protection schemes, the ability to create explosive plays, and the defense’s situational awareness will all be focal points in the coming weeks.
Oregon’s next challenge comes in the form of Boise State, a team known for its competitiveness and ability to pull off upsets. The Ducks will need to refine their game plan and execute more consistently if they hope to avoid another close call. With the lessons learned from the Idaho game, Lanning remains optimistic that his team can grow from the experience and improve as the season progresses.
For Idaho, the narrow loss to Oregon was a testament to the strength and resilience of their program. The Vandals, who were picked in the preseason to finish third in the Big Sky Conference, showcased a defense that could stand up to one of the top teams in the country. Last season, Idaho’s defense was ranked 14th nationally among FCS teams in total defense, and with all four starting defensive linemen returning, they appear poised for another strong season.
As Idaho heads into their next game against Wyoming, they can take confidence from their performance against Oregon. The Vandals demonstrated that they can compete with higher-ranked teams, and their defense, in particular, will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Sky Conference this season.
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Oregon’s 24-14 victory over Idaho was far from the comfortable win that many expected, but it provided valuable lessons for the Ducks as they embark on their Big Ten journey. Coach Lanning and his team will need to address their weaknesses and build on their strengths as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
For Idaho, the game was a moral victory, showing that they can compete at a high level and providing a solid foundation for the rest of their season. Both teams will take away important insights from this matchup as they continue to develop and pursue their respective goals.
As the season progresses, the Ducks will aim to refine their play and prove that they belong among the elite teams in college football, while Idaho will look to capitalize on their strong start and make a deep run in the FCS playoffs.
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