Dan Lanning shares what stands out on Liberty film
Dan Lanning shared some thoughts prior to the Oregon Ducks squaring off against Liberty Flames in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Flames are entering the game undefeated for a reason, and that isn’t lost on Lanning. The Ducks head coach is knee-deep in preparation for their bowl game, and he explained what stands out about Liberty while speaking with the media.
“Really talented team that runs the ball extremely well,” Lanning said. “You know, quarterback is really elusive. Creates big plays. Explosive offense. They’re really successful. There’s a reason they’re undefeated.”
Nobody has been able to quell the Flames in 2023. However, they haven’t faced anyone with the might of Oregon yet this season.
Lanning’s team is angry that they’re not in the College Football Playoff, and will be looking to take their frustrations out on Liberty when the time comes. Perhaps the Flames will keep it close, but it’s tough to see Oregon not rising to the occasion with what we’ve seen during Dan Lanning’s tenure thus far.
More on Oregon vs. Liberty, Fiesta Bowl
According to FanDuel, Oregon is a 14-point favorite in the outing. The over/under for the matchup is set at 63.5 points.
Oregon’s CFP hopes shriveled away with its 34-31 loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship. Nonetheless, the Ducks are still one of the best teams in the country. Oregon finished the regular season, averaging 526.6 total yards per game, the second-most in the country.
Oregon’s defense didn’t follow far behind. The Ducks only allowed 320.3 yards per game, ranking No. 22 in the country. While Oregon couldn’t ever usurp Washington, the team still boasts three ranked victories this season. Head coach Dan Lanning knows his team still has more to prove.
“I know how hard our players work I hate to see them finish on that note,” Lanning said following the Pac-12 Championship. “I know we’re gonna get an opportunity for a great bowl game and I want to see those guys go out there and compete.”
Only three Power Five remained undefeated through 13 games. Liberty is one of them. Despite their efforts, the Flames are still only ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25. Now, they’ll have a chance to prove the naysayers wrong. The Flames certainly have the firepower to achieve their lofty goal.
Oregon and Liberty have never met before. Nevertheless, it certainly won’t take long for the teams to grow familiar. On Jan. 1, the two teams will wage war in the Fiesta Bowl.
On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this article.