Originally published at: https://pistolsfiringblog.com/eric-morris-outsmarts-dan-lanning-in-high-stakes-fourth-down-battle/
STILLWATER — In the first week, the only common thread between the Cowboys and the Ducks appeared to be their struggles on fourth down. On Saturday, one coach seemed to learn from those, and it wasn’t the coach of the No. 6 team in the country. “I know there will be a lot of questions about fourth-down situations,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “We need to be aggressive in those moments, especially when you’re not having success to keep it going. But if it works, it works. If it doesn’t, you create short fields. Ultimately it’s still an 8-point game there and the end. If you score, get a touchdown and get an extra point — or a 2-point conversion to have an opportunity to go to a tie.” The Ducks lost their chance to tie following a lost fumble and a 7-yard run by OSU quarterback Drew Mestemaker on third-and-three to ice the game and secure the 39-31 upset that sent Lanning and his Ducks toppling down the rankings on Sunday morning. Lanning and Oregon went 0-for-3 on fourth down in the opener against Boise State. The Ducks passed for a loss of 2 yards on fourth-and-2, then rushed…
Where is everyone getting their Big 12 championship tickets?
Called it.