INDIANAPOLIS — No. 1 Oregon beat No. 3 Penn State 45-37 within the Big Ten championship sport Saturday evening at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Dan Lanning, Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson and Bryce Boettcher recapped the win for the Ducks (13-0), who would be the prime seed within the College Football Playoff and earned a berth within the Rose Bowl, the place they may face the winner of the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds. The full CFP bracket shall be unveiled Sunday.
Below is a transcript of Lanning’s postgame press convention.
DAN LANNING
I don’t know what to say besides for a way proud I’m of those guys. We’ve talked about moments this 12 months the place guys needed to put one another on their backs.
I assumed the offense tonight did an unbelievable job. I assumed the protection made a essential cease when it mattered most.
But I’ll say this, the idea in our workforce all through the sport, it by no means wavered. We have a bunch of men in there that love one another and labored their tails off tonight to return out on the opposite aspect of victory. Kudos to them.
That offense is absolutely laborious to cease. They do an unbelievable job over there. It was a battle, a battle to the very finish.
I’m actually happy with our gamers and happy with their resiliency. Proud of this dude, third-and-1 when it mattered most, making a play, fourth-and-2, making an enormous play for our workforce. And happy with the blokes on the stage with me. And I do know they’d be the primary to inform you they couldn’t do it with out their teammates.
Q. Dillon, all through your profession, you’ve had a few of your finest video games on the most important phases. What is it about this stage that type of brings out the very best in you?
DILLON GABRIEL: You reside for these moments. In a lifetime of being a child and throwing within the entrance yard or on the street and also you dream of those moments and need to be in them.
I simply need to take full benefit of it, particularly after we go to work with these guys and see how a lot effort and time everybody places into this factor.
You simply need to characterize them the best manner. And I felt like we did. I have a look at this and I have a look at only a bunch of men with one thing to show and an edge to them that desires to be nice.
I’m appreciative of them. I’m appreciative of everybody coming collectively. It’s a particular group. And as you simply take a step again and have a look at the moments we’ve had this season, our big-time gamers made big-time performs in these moments. I like that half about it.
Q. Dan, going again to being on this constructing at Big Ten media day, you opened up saying, Oregon’s mighty totally different. Now you’re the mighty champion. You’ve gone by means of a journey that was eight video games in eight weeks. No one else within the nation had to try this. You needed to play the scheduled groups you’ve by no means performed earlier than. Bringing in a quarterback for one 12 months. The O-line’s rocky to start out the season. How do you encapsulate reaching what you achieved this primary 12 months?
DAN LANNING: I’m actually happy with our gamers. They achieved this. I didn’t have something to do with it. I simply get to maintain the practice on the tracks. We have unbelievable management. We have an unbelievable teaching workers.
And the Big Ten’s robust. I feel tonight’s sport is a good instance of that. This is a troublesome league. It’s laborious to go on the market and win. And to have the ability to do what our guys did tonight, I’m actually happy with their effort, to present just a bit bit further. I assumed all people gave slightly further tonight, and that confirmed up.
Q. Tez and Bryce, final 12 months in Las Vegas and that sport that emotional sport, might you converse to how that formed this season and this run and makes tonight much more particular perhaps?
TEZ JOHNSON: For me, I knew I wished to get into the stadium slightly early, simply take a look at the lights. Get on the sector, simply reside the second earlier than the second occurs.
I simply know we took a loss in Las Vegas final 12 months and it simply didn’t sit proper with the entire complete workforce. And I simply know my teammates, my coaches, they pushed us to the restrict each week. And such as you guys know, Tuesday follow is just not common for us. We performed a sport inside a sport on Tuesday. Saturday it was only a showcase for the followers.
Q. You talked about a previous interview that your organic household noticed you play tonight for the primary time. What did that second imply to you? And then to have the efficiency you probably did on this sport and the magnitude of it?
TEZ JOHNSON: I informed them, like, that is the primary sport y’all coming to, I’ll offer you all a present. I promise you that. For me, it was simply, I don’t know if phrases can clarify it, my mother, simply seeing the tears in her eyes having the ability to watch me play on a stage like this. My household had by no means seen it earlier than.
Just having the ability to get them to the sport, phrases can’t clarify, bro. It’s one thing you dream about. And when
that point occurs and it’s having the ability to get checked off your bucket record, you don’t take it without any consideration.
Q. Dillon, three touchdowns to tight ends tonight and that large fourth down completion to T-Ferg. What are you able to say concerning the tight finish group that perhaps doesn’t get the adore it deserves on a regular basis?
DILLON GABRIEL: Maybe the love you don’t see. I like these guys. They’re extraordinarily proficient group, however simply very unselfish. And I feel all 12 months they’ve waited their time by way of touchdowns, however they’ve helped us a bunch, a ton within the run sport and the go sport.
Just prepared for his or her second, every of them. And I’m happy with them. Obviously guys that I feel very extremely of and the way they work and the way they go about their enterprise.
But they simply maximized the second. Kenyon making an unreal play after we wanted it essentially the most in that second-and-long. And him getting it as nicely within the left aspect of the sector. And Ferg, I’ve mentioned it sufficient, that dude’s particular. He’s a particular individual. I like him to demise. And I’m happy with him as a result of we speak about it on a regular basis, a man I belief and anticipation, belief him when he’s going to interrupt and be proper the place he must be and he was. Great route, even higher catch. And you simply see him make a play in a big-time second. That’s the belief side of it.
Q. Coach, within the postgame, you’re type of wandering round in that blur of individuals and that mosh pit and also you’re hugging individuals. You talked to Phil. And there’s your dad and mom. You received slightly emotional. What’s that like? What was that about and what’s that like for you?
DAN LANNING: When you get to be part of video games like this, I feel you begin to assume intrinsically concerning the journey you’ve been on and being there. But what brings me pleasure is the individuals that you just love that get to benefit from the journey with you — these guys up right here, Phil, my dad and mom. For them to be a part of an evening like tonight, I do know what which means to them. That means much more to me than any success that I ever have, them attending to be part of that success.
Q. Dan, you mentioned originally of this 12 months that this workforce was proficient sufficient to win all of it. And now you’ve gotten type of checked this field on that path. What has to occur now, do you assume, to win one other championship this 12 months? And does it really feel extra tangible and inside attain to you and your gamers now that you’re right here on this second?
DAN LANNING: I’ll be sincere, that is the furthest factor from my thoughts proper now. I’m anxious about tomorrow, I’m anxious the following day, the following play. I feel that’s the way you get there. If you begin placing the tip aim in sight — I don’t assume it’s any secret what this workforce needs to perform — however you don’t get there by simply taking a look at it. It takes work. I’m pondering proper now, how can we enhance and get higher. And there’s much more we are able to develop from in that sport in all phases. That’s the place my focus is at. I feel while you deal with the method, the remaining takes care of itself.
Q. Can the 4 of you all converse to what Phil Knight means to this program? I think about he’s been electrical all 12 months simply with the power and the workforce profitable, however you’ve all had extra interactions with him than the frequent individual would. What’s he like, and what’s he like on the stage while you all are profitable the way in which you’ve been?
DAN LANNING: He loves this college. He means the world to this college. I feel so usually Phil will get acknowledged for what he does for the soccer program, however while you speak about a philanthropist and what he does, him and his spouse Penny, what they do for the better good of the world, what’s school sports activities appear like with out Phil Knight? And what’s athletics on the whole appear like with out Phil Knight? And what’s most cancers analysis appear like with out Phil Knight?
I don’t know you can put that into phrases. We’re grateful for his contributions. And actually an enormous a part of us having success is ensuring that we get the chance to acknowledge him.
BRYCE BOETTCHER: He’s Eugene. He’s the University of Oregon. He’s Nike. He’s all of it. He’s helped us this manner. He’s the explanation we’re right here at the moment. Without him we wouldn’t be Big Ten champs. We wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing at the moment.
Every man sitting right here and within the locker room are very grateful for what he and his spouse does for this program and as Coach mentioned, all through the world. We’re eternally in debt to him and eternally grateful.
DILLON GABRIEL: I feel these guys spoke sufficient about him. But he’s only a particular man in our lives and what he means to this system. I feel while you take a step again and also you have a look at what he’s completed for everybody concerned, you realize, he’s an unselfish man, by no means needs credit score for something. But we positively acknowledge it in an enormous manner as a result of his presence, a man who comes round, has simply been so nice in his lifetime, you’re appreciative of him and all he does for us. So solely good issues and comfortable that we’ve him in our nook.
TEZ JOHNSON: They just about mentioned all of it, however that’s Uncle Phil. You love him. He’s Eugene, like Bryce mentioned. Seeing him at follow, you don’t actually — like he’s Duck canine, however while you see him it’s, like, oh, that’s Uncle Phil however he’s an excellent man. Love Phil Knight. He’s every little thing.
Q. Bryce, I need to ask concerning the offense and the challenges they offered? And what the reduction felt like when that ultimate interception came about?
BRYCE BOETTCHER: We have been ready to face the very best. And they’re an excellent offense. Credit to our offense for sticking it out and scoring plenty of factors in that sport. But our preparation was unmatched They’re a superb workforce, too. That’s what individuals neglect. So we attempt to do all our assignments. Obviously there’s some errors on tape we’ve received to repair up and be prepared for a pair weeks from now. But on the finish of the day they’re an excellent workforce. Credit to them. We got here out victorious, so credit score to our offense.
Q. Tez, you see on daily basis in follow what Kenyon Sadiq brings to this workforce. What’s it like when on the primary drive of the sport he has a hurdle like that, a play like that? How a lot does that fireside you guys up?
TEZ JOHNSON: That’s regular for Ken. He did it within the spring sport. He did it the primary sport. When he did it this sport, it didn’t actually shock no one. We anticipate that out of Ken. He’s a very proficient tight finish that we’ve, together with Ferg and P-Herb. Just the methods he contributes to the workforce is unbelievable, a younger man like that. His future is absolutely vibrant.
Q. Dillon and Dan, that’s essentially the most passing touchdowns towards a prime 10 go protection by any quarterback towards any prime 10 go protection within the nation this season. And it’s one of the crucial environment friendly performances as nicely. What all did you see and make work to have that type of efficiency on this stage?
And, Dan, with all that he’s up for this week in Vegas, New York, in between, simply the place does your quarterback rank proper now?
DAN LANNING: This man deserves each single factor that comes his manner. I informed him that earlier this week when he received participant of the 12 months within the Big Ten. If anyone can’t watch that efficiency and acknowledge how particular he’s. And perhaps essentially the most particular play to me was the third-and-one when he wished it in his palms to get that robust yard.
This workforce believes in them. They’re grateful on daily basis they get to step on the sector with them. He’s about connection and folks first. But the poise he reveals in large video games is unmeasured. I haven’t been round gamers like Dillon. I’m actually grateful that I get to share the sector with him.
DILLON GABRIEL: I might say belief, perception and confidence in everybody that I’m going to battle with. The time and power we put into this factor — and also you get one second to make it occur. And I’m not going to let that second go me by. I understand how a lot time and power I put into it. But I additionally know the blokes round me.
And I touched the ball each single play. So the belief, perception and confidence in my guys. But additionally it’s received to be reciprocated for them in realizing that I’m going to make the best reads, I’m going to place the ball the place it must be. And when the sport’s on the road, I’m going to make it occur.
Q. One of the issues that stood out standing subsequent to your sideline at the moment is it didn’t really feel like at any level within the sport you guys received too excessive or too low. Is emotional intelligence one thing that you just guys emphasize as a program? And if that’s the case, how do you identify that or implement that?
DAN LANNING: I feel our guys do an unbelievable job of understanding the reset button. Like, the following play is crucial play.
As emotional as the sport of soccer is, they do an unbelievable job of realizing that the job’s not completed till the job’s completed and being composed, be prepared for the following second. That’s one thing we actually pleasure ourselves in.
Q. Dillon, Dan talked about clearly you’re any individual that values connection. You’ve talked about that every one season with plenty of totally different guys on this workforce. How has your reference to Tez advanced by means of the season and what are you able to say about him working his manner again and having an evening such as you did at the moment?
DILLON GABRIEL: He’s particular. He is aware of it. I feel while you’re round a proficient particular person, you admire it as a result of simply the individual he’s, he’s electrical, and when he will get the ball in his palms, he’s going to make a play. But greater than that, you admire the individual. As everybody is aware of, I’ve performed soccer for a very long time. And while you’re round people who love the sport, love life, and do what they do in a particular manner, you admire that.
And Tez is a large a part of what we do. And him being on the sector makes us rather a lot higher. I’m happy with him. I’m happy with the chief he’s. I’m happy with the way in which he fights by means of adversity and a man that we’ve been by means of a bunch collectively inside a 12 months’s time, however the development collectively is gigantic.
I have a look at 181 yards. I’m stunned however I’m not. That’s a man who’s able to that and he’s particular. So I’m happy with him.
Q. Tez, to do what you guys did tonight, the three of you being seniors, in an NFL stadium, did that imply slightly extra about what’s to return?
TEZ JOHNSON: Games like this for us is predicted. We realize it’s not going to be handed to us. We go on the market prefer it’s a Tuesday follow each Saturday. Things like this doesn’t actually, like, get too large or too excessive for us. The coaches put together us every week about video games like this. Like I mentioned, it’s not going to be handed over to us. That’s just about it.
DILLON GABRIEL: I’m simply smiling as a result of we’re Big Ten champs. I’m smiling as a result of we took benefit of a chance we had. Shoot, we might have completed it at Eugene Country Club, 100-yard subject, if we needed to, however we’re appreciative of the sport. How a few dome on this climate, proper?
I do know James is comfortable he didn’t should be all chilly and frizzled up in a jacket. So there’s plenty of positives. But extra importantly, when that confetti got here down, we have been smiling.
BRYCE BOETTCHER: He hit it, we might have lined the ball up on the sandlot throughout the road, no followers, simply be Bloody Tuesday over again. We have been grateful it was in a dome with out the climate. Probably benefited them that it’s not the chilly climate as a result of we’re from Eugene, we’re used to that. But we received it completed. And go Ducks.
Q. I’m positive you’ll evaluate the push protection and areas you won’t like, however on prime of the sport plan, I might think about that not permitting any TFLs to Carter and no touchdowns to Warren, who actually didn’t do a lot within the second half, could be successes. How did you guys scheme out their two largest weapons?
DAN LANNING: I feel that they had moments that perhaps they missed. We should acknowledge that. They have an unbelievable scheme. They do a very good job there.
I’ll say that we wished to ensure we all the time knew the place 44 was at. And actually we all the time wished to know the place 11 was at. Credit to our offensive line. Credit to Coach Stein and the job he did there, and credit score to our guys on protection, realizing the place he was at. But there’s plenty of room for enchancment for us. That’s what I’m actually enthusiastic about, is the chance to assault that development.
Q. Several of the gamers have been speaking concerning the concept of turning into the keystone species of the Big Ten. What is that? And how have you ever guys type of grow to be that this 12 months?
DAN LANNING: That’s one thing coming from us, one thing we began originally of the season, speaking about the way you get a chance to invade a brand new surroundings and someplace perhaps you didn’t belong and get the chance to take over that surroundings. We mentioned that is the final step for us to grow to be that. I’m actually happy with our guys shopping for into that thought and constructing off of it. But, once more, motivation is overrated. These guys should exit and execute. They did that tonight.
— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup publication.
