Just when the Oregon Ducks were beginning to master the Pac-12, they made the stunning move to join the Big Ten. It didn’t seem to matter much as they had an undefeated regular season during their first year in the conference and didn’t lose their first game until the Rose Bowl.
They are looking to avenge that loss this season and take the next step toward a National Championship. Though we are nearly a month into the season now, that journey will truly begin next weekend when the Ducks take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in one of the most anticipated matchups of this young season.
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The Ducks skated by the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, easily winning 41-7 in what was likely viewed as a tune-up game. They looked every bit of the championship contenders they were projected to be, and coach Dan Lanning didn’t waste any time hyping up the battle against Penn State.
When asked by reporters when the Ducks would turn their focus to the Nittany Lions, he told reporters, “The switch is already flipped.”
Today’s victory was already Oregon’s third blowout of the season, so there is no need to dwell on it and celebrate. They know this game against Penn State could be the difference between making or missing the College Football Playoff, or surrendering home-field advantage in the first round.
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The Ducks’ run defense looked much improved compared to last week, which they will need to roll over to next Saturday when they play what is considered the top rushing attack in college football. They have their work cut out for them, but Lanning is making sure his team is ready and focused.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: ‘The switch has flipped;’ Oregon Ducks ready to prepare for Penn State
