EUGENE, Ore. — Dan Lanning would prefer it if Oregon’s final season in the Pac-12 isn’t defined by “what ifs,” the way last year was for the Ducks.
Lanning’s first season in charge at Oregon was a success, with 10 wins, a bowl game victory and a spot in the national conversation into November. But it was also frustrating it didn’t become more than just a successful debut season.
“Ultimately as a team we were so close last year. We want to go from good to great this year,” Oregon QB Bo Nix said. “We’ve talked about it a lot this offseason. We’ve had a lot of meetings about it, a lot of time where we can connect.”
If No. 15 Oregon wants to take that next step and contend for a Pac-12 title before moving to the Big Ten next year, it must do better in big games. The Ducks had big moments in wins over Washington State and Utah, and ended the season with a last-second drive to beat North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl.