Tosh Lupoi Talks Oregon's Defensive Approach, Juggling Two Jobs During Playoff Run: 'I want to finish what we started here'

The No. 5 Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a home matchup against the No. 12 James Madison Dukes on Saturday in Eugene. The Ducks will face an explosive rushing offense and Tosh Lupoi‘s defense will play a key role in Oregon coming away with a win this week.

Lupoi, who was recently hired as the new head coach in Berkeley, met with reporters in Eugene on Tuesday to discuss what the past few weeks have been like for him and preview this weekend’s game.

Below are some of his key quotes.

On juggling two jobs after being hired as Cal head coach

Lupoi: “It just gets later. But I think what’s really important is devoting the proper time and commitment to to really good opponent, and making sure you commit to that and not interrupt that. And then you separate yourself when you feel like you’ve accomplished your duties for the day. And this opponent is demanding a lot of respect from us. They do a really good job. So not going to cut that short of any focus or attention to detail there. Just had a great practice. And that’s the approach. So ultimately, I even get to the point when we’re doing our game plan, I’ll put my phone in the cabinet and my wife knows if there’s any emergency, to let Cody or Matt know, and I think that’s the only way to do it. And just lock in and focus. And we feel like, we’ve got to the point where we get to the position meetings at night, and we’ve wrapped some things up and debriefed the practice. Then, of course, there’s been some late nights, no doubt.”

On why it was important to coach Oregon through playoffs

Lupoi: “I made it clear, because of this team, because of this university, the elite players I’ve been fortunate to coach and be a part of the staff. This was one of a few opportunities this go around, and I made it clear on every one of those Thursday-night interviews that I will not participate or even consider the job without finishing through our season. So ultimately, that was a bit of a deal breaker for another place, and that’s fine. I respect their process, but that was very clear. People have asked me as well with Coach Lanning how that went about, or how that conversation was, and I honestly don’t even think we had a single conversation. It was just a realized expectation of exactly what would be asked of me and and what I would want to do. I made it very clear over my dead body would I ever leave the individuals here, that one they have put myself and my family in this position and two I want to, I want to finish what we started here.”

On coaching/playing in Autzen one last time

Lupoi: “It’s been an awesome experience, amazing place. We’ve had an amazing four years here. And truly the outside elements have nothing to do with it for me. So you know, whether we’re playing in a backyard or in Autzen, we’re gonna approach it the exact same. Prepare the exact same and try to compete to a high standard.”

On changing Oregon’s narrative as an offensive school, legacy he wants to leave

Lupoi: “First off it’s not me making the substantial impact, it’s us, supported by an amazing staff. Fortunately, now, the way we work in recruiting and the way our talent acquisition has increased and improved, that all goes into it. So it’s because of the players I’m blessed to coach, because of the leadership under Coach Lanning and Phil Knight and Rob Mullens that’s put us in this position, quite frankly. So moving forward, absolutely, I think there’s a standard that’s been set here that we’ve changed that narrative, as you mentioned. I agree with you what this place is kind of known for, maybe two decades or so, and we’re really proud of that. To how we finished and relinquished the least amount of points since 1966 and where our defense has grown to. That was the goal, ultimately and we knew coming into this thing, how much work it would require. And again, when you’re when you’re blessed to coach the young men that I get to here, it makes it a whole lot of fun.”

On effectiveness of James Madison’s run game

Lupoi: “Well it starts with Wayne Knight and Alonzo Barnett, number three and number 14. They are legitimate. Wayne Knight is an NFL player at running back. He could play at any conference, at any team, I can promise you that. And the quarterback is the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year for a reason. He’s thrown for four touchdowns in a game. He’s rushed for four touchdowns in a game. And then it’s complemented by a really good scheme.”

On how he’s approaching high stakes as a coach with his defense

Lupoi: “I think it’s extremely important to just focus mainly on the execution and not on the emotion. So we know those emotions will be high. So it’s also being able to recognize that and accept that there’s nothing wrong with that. But the more we focus on the end result, we’re taking away from something we can improve on right now. And that’s really the goal. So I think the first thing is this is an opponent that we haven’t been familiar with, so early on is showing them is a real team, is a real opponent. They’re here for a reason. It does not take too long to prove that based off of their explosives. Being the No. 1 rushing offense in their conference, No. 6 rushing offense in the country.”