The Oregon Ducks completed the first step in their quest for a National Championship today after defeating the James Madison Dukes in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. There was a lot to clean up, specifically in the second half, but overall it was a much better performance compared to the slow starts the Ducks have experienced coming out of bye weeks recently.
They put up 51 points on the Dukes, and while there wasn’t much to complain about for the offense, the defense caused a little bit of a concern. They surrendered 28 points in the second half, which Dan Lanning made clear was problematic and was not up to his team’s standard.
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The fourth-year head coach was proud of his team, no doubt, but he knows the sloppy play they exhibited in the second half could be hard to overcome going forward. Let’s take a look at what he had to say to reporters after the game.
Opening Statement
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Lanning: I don’t think we played at all close to our standard. Credit to JMU for figuring some stuff out at halftime and not credit to us for not being able to sustain and play the way we need to be able to play down the stretch. You know, I think our team realizes this is a growth moment for us, an opportunity to continue to improve and get better, but we’re gonna play better football to be able to reach our goals when it’s all said and done, there were some moments that really showed up, obviously special teams with a blocked kick, blocked punt. You know, there were some big plays there. But to not be able to come out and have the same success in the second half that we had in the first half is certainly disappointing, and I think our players will certainly learn from that.
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Points in Bunches
Oregon Offensive Coordinator Will Stein leads a drill with quarterback Dante Moore at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Dec. 14, 2025 before the first-round CFP game against James Madison.
Q: What was the secret to the offense’s success in the first half?
Lanning: Yeah, I thought they had a great plan. You know, starting off, they had, you know, loaded boxes inside. We were able to get the ball on the perimeter. We were able to take shots where we thought we could win. You know, we connected on a couple of those. I think we scored all five of the first five possessions. But then, obviously, threw a pick on the last drive right, which isn’t good.
More to Prove
Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi walks the field during the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Q: How do you think the defense played tonight?
Lanning: We didn’t play well enough as a unit to do what we want to be able to do. They had 13 third downs in the first half. We have to be able to get off the field on third down. I think our offense only had one in the first half. And then in the second half, you know, they had a few more, but they did a much better job moving the ball on early downs back.
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Finishing Strong
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) makes a catch for a touchdown as James Madison Dukes defensive back DJ Barksdale (32) defends during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Q: What has made Jeremiah McClellan so successful?
Lanning: He’s been really consistent down the stretch. He’s where he’s supposed to be. You know? He’s making tough catches. You know, I thought that other one was really close again today, where they had the PI but he’s attacking the ball right, and playing strong at the top of routes. He’s playing some good football for us down the stretch, right?
Exorcising Demons
EUGENE, OREGON – DECEMBER 20: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks shakes hands with head coach Bob Chesney of the James Madison Dukes prior to the game during the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Autzen Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Q: How do you think you guys started this year compared to last year?
Lanning: I think we started off hot, like I said. I mean, ultimately we can be better, even defensively the first half, but able to hold them to field goal attempts instead of touchdowns there in the first was a positive. But the second half, as a team, we didn’t play the way we need to be able to play. You’re going to find moments like that when you have a big lead to be able to choke somebody out. We didn’t do that.
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Pounding the Rock
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (23) rushes for a touchdown as James Madison Dukes cornerback Justin Eaglin (30) defends during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Q: Can you talk about the success of the running game?
Lanning: When you run the ball well, you have a chance to win games. You can stay on schedule and be able to take some of the shots that we take, stay ahead of the chains, not force yourself to make some tough third down plays. And you know, we did that pretty effectively today.
Redshirt Returns
Oregon’s Dakorien Moore, left, Gary Bryant Jr. and Jay Harris work out during practice at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Dec. 14, 2025 before the first-round CFP game against James Madison.
Q: How do you think the returning redshirt players performed?
Lanning: Yeah, I’ll have to watch the film and see how each guy did individually. I think, again, there were some positive moments, but certainly moments for improvement.
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Fireworks
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass during the first quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Q: What makes this offense so explosive?
Lanning: Well, they’re an aggressive defense, so when you get a hat on a hat, you’re gonna have opportunities for guys to go make big plays. I thought we did some some good blocking on the perimeter, which was necessary to create that. You know, we didn’t really have penalties in that area as well, which is important whenever you’re going to be aggressive, but when they play aggressive, and they’re gonna have a lot of hats, you’re gonna get opportunities for one-on-ones outside. You’re gonna get opportunities to create big plays.
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Tune-Up Game
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks off the field after a timeout as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
Q: Are you glad to have this type of game now as opposed to deeper in the playoffs?
Lanning: I’m always glad to play football. You know, it’s exciting. You’ll get a lot of opportunities to play football, so certainly glad to have that opportunity.
Film Study
Oregon inside linebackers coach Will Stein leads practice as the Oregon Ducks hit the practice field ahead of Michigan State Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.
Q: How were you guys limited on explosive plays in the second half?
Lanning: I just don’t think we clicked on all cylinders, like I said. You know, there’s some moments that we had success, then a drive would stall out. But I’ll have to go back and watch the film to see specifically what they did differently.
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MVP
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Malik Benson (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Q: What can you say about Malik Benson and his performance?
Lanning: Yeah, Malik’s showed up for us. You know, certainly down the stretch of the season, he was certainly great. Today, obviously had some big balls that he caught, and been really proud of his progression and his growth for us in this program.
Growing up Fast
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) rushes for a touchdown as James Madison Dukes safety Tyler Brown (13) defends during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Q: How impressive is it for Dante Moore to have such a big game in such a big moment?
Lanning: We have a great quarterback, right? He can handle a lot of situations. He can handle pressure. You know, I know there’s a couple that he would want back tonight, but overall, I thought he executed our plan well.
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Make Them Think
Oregon Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi runs a warmup drill with his team before the game against Oklahoma State at Autzen.
Q: Were you guys fooled by how many formations James Madison’s offense used to start the game?
Lanning: No, I mean, they do a lot. You go watch them throughout the season, they’ve always had a lot of volume, really, on both sides of the ball.
Batted Balls
Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti, left, defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington and outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei celebrate a sack by Tuioti as the Oregon Ducks host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 14, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Q: How do you think the defensive line performed?
Lanning: That quarterback has a lower release, so we thought that could make an impact. And even when you’re not necessarily making a sack, you know, there’s opportunities for plays like that. And I thought our guys did a good job of getting hands up.
Deafening Environment
Confetti flies as Oregon fans celebrate their win as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
Q: What can you say about these fans and the atmosphere they created?
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Lanning: Yeah, our crowd was outstanding. They’ve been outstanding every time. We knew we could always count on those guys to show up and make it an unbelievable atmosphere. I think it’s really special for our seniors to get to enjoy that and props for them.
Thick Skin
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks watches his team warm up before the game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Q: What makes you confident that your disappointed outlook on the game will rub off on your players?
Lanning: Just because they have in the past. Right? Our guys are about the right things when it comes to growth mindset, they’re going to want to attack it. And I know they share some of the same sentiments as me.
Winning Culture
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; The Oregon Ducks kneel before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Q: What does it say about your culture that guys are echoing the same sentiment as you?
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Lanning: Yeah, there’s a standard here. There’s certainly a standard for performance. Our players know that. They know what championship football looks like, and the second half didn’t look like that.
The Young and the Rested
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (23) celebrates with Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Alex Harkey (71) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Q: How do you think the younger guys played in their first big game experience?
Lanning: Yeah, some of those guys got some moments again today, and we’ve had some growth. We’ve had numbers all year. We’ve had a lot of guys that can play winning football. A lot of guys touched the field for us today, we started roll some guys there in the second half, and we’ll have to go evaluate that film, because obviously the performance wasn’t as good there. So, while there’s been growth and there’s opportunities to improve, there’s still a lot of opportunities in front of us to continue to grow.
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On the Fly
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the sideline as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
Q: How do you determine your substitution patterns from game-to-game?
Lanning: Yeah, just keep evaluating the game, right? We weren’t playing well, and we had to continue to put some other guys in. But ultimately, you know, I think the game was at hand. It was just a matter of, how do you finish and perform? And that’s good experience for some guys that are in there to be able to take advantage of I just don’t know that we took advantage of that moment today.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Top quotes from Dan Lanning following CFP win vs. James Madison Dukes
