Dan Lanning shares impressions of Utah QB Bryson Barnes
No. 13 Utah isn’t necessarily the same challenge with QB Cam Rising out of the lineup and now out for the season. Even so, Dan Lanning isn’t letting No. 8 Oregon overlook the problems that Bryson Barnes could cause them instead.
Lanning held Barnes in high regard ahead of the Duck’s Top-15 matchup with the Utes this weekend. In his eyes, he sees a quarterback who’s improving each outing and one who isn’t afraid to do what’s necessary for his team. Mix in his ability to run Utah’s offense and Lanning knows he’ll be his own challenge for their defense.
“I think he’s getting more and more comfortable each week, which you appreciate as a football guy watching him play,” said Lanning. “The guy plays tough. I mean he’s fighting for hard yards there at the end of the game (vs. USC) to put their team in position to win. He took some big hits, got up, and kept playing. He’s impressive.”
“Like I said, he’s dangerous as a runner. He has done a good job of passing the ball, he has gotten more efficient each week,” Lanning noted. “They do a great job putting him in position and using his talents.”
Barnes has gone 52-89 (58.4%) passing in his appearance this fall for 633 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 124 yards and three more scores.
Barnes has split appearances and opportunities with Nate Johnson to this point. However, in his past two games as QB1 again, he has gone 29-44 (65.9%) for 363 of his passing yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. In those wins, he has rushed for 107 yards, good for six yards a carry, and two scores as well.
In the Pac-12, dealing with quality quarterbacks just comes with the territory in the conference this season. Now, Barnes will be the latest for Lanning and Oregon to deal with in an important league game on Saturday afternoon.
Lanning impressed by Kyle Whittingham overcoming Utah’s injuries
Throughout the season, Utah has been dealing with several notable injuries yet they seemingly haven’t slowed down the Utes. To Dan Lanning, it has been impressive to see what Kyle Whittingham has been able to do in those circumstances.
Ahead of their meeting, Lanning emphasized how impressive it is for Utah to seamlessly be able to shuffle players around the field due to injuries.
“The amount of injuries that they’ve dealt with? And for him to be able to utilize defensive personnel on offense and shuffle positions and utilize offensive linemen at tight end? I think it’s just really impressive,” Lanning said
Ultimately, Lanning pointed out that it’s a credit to both Whittingham and his coaching staff. He respected how the Utes have been able to adjust to their rapidly changing personnel all season long.
“You know, everyone’s always known that he’s a great coach. But the way that he has been able and his staff has been able to utilize the people they have? I know, the beginning the year, he spoke about the depth of his team. It’s starting to really show up,” said Lanning. “He has good depth but they’re utilizing people in different ways than they anticipated when the year started. He has done a great job coaching that group.”