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Dan Lanning reacts to Noah Whittington chaotic touchdown run

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs3 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Dan Lanning
(Photo by: Max Unkrich/ScoopDuckOn3)

In the second quarter of Oregon‘s 42-13 win over Minnesota on Friday, Ducks running back Noah Whittington ripped through the Golden Gophers’ defense for a jaw-dropping 40-yard touchdown run. The play appeared to stall out around the 30-yard line, but Whittington kept his legs chugging and broke free to find the end zone.

The touchdown gave Oregon a 21-3 lead. After the game, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning weighed in on Whittington’s stunning touchdown run.

“I think it’s a culture play up until that moment where we didn’t have good ball security at the finish. So, we can coach that moment,” Lanning said. “I know Noah will be hard on himself, but we got to handle the ball better there.

“But, obviously, the run itself was unbelievable. The push from the offensive line, the fighting for the extra yard was awesome, but we can be better when it comes to ball security at the end.”

Whittington’s highlight play was almost ruined when he fumbled the ball just before crossing the goal line. Whittington gained control of the ball in the end zone and, after review, the play was ultimately ruled a touchdown.

Nonetheless, the Ducks RB was certainly nervous while awaiting the officials’ decision. Noah Whittington finished the game with 72 rushing yards and a score on just eight carries.

On 76 carries this season, Whittington boasts 623 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season. Whittington also has 11 catches for 48 yards and a score.

Whittington is far from the only standout in Oregon’s backfield this season. The Ducks are averaging 233.6 rushing yards per game this season, the most in the Big Ten. Oregon’s gritty run game isn’t the only area that Oregon’s culture manifests itself.

“We’re a physical football team. I don’t think that’s any secret,” Lanning said after the win Friday. “And again, it shows up in  practice. It’s a mindset that these players have. They want to fight for the extra yard. They want  to try to stop the extra yard on defense. But that shows up consistently for our team, and it certainly paid off tonight.”

With the triumph, the Ducks are one step closer to secure a bid in the College Football Playoff. On Saturday, Oregon will square off against No. 16 USC at 12:30 p.m PT. The game will air live on CBS.