Oregon's Dan Lanning accused of 'tasteless' behavior in Orange Bowl

Jeff Hauser

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Oregon's Dan Lanning accused of 'tasteless' behavior in Orange Bowl image

Dan Lanning guided the Oregon Ducks to a dominant 23-0 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Thursday’s Orange Bowl. But the Ducks’ coach drew criticism for a late-game decision many fans labeled “classless.”

Oregon controlled the game defensively, shutting down one of the nation’s most productive offenses. The Ducks weren't firing on all cylinders early before running back Jordon Davison broke through with a third quarter rushing touchdown.

Texas Tech’s best chance to rally ended when quarterback Behren Morton threw an end-zone interception to Brandon Finney Jr., which gave the Ducks the game. 

The controversy came with 16 seconds left. With Oregon up 16-0, Lanning elected to go for it on fourth and goal from the 1-yard line rather than kneel out the clock. 

Davison scored again, pushing the margin to 23 points. The social media reaction was swift, with fans arguing the score was unnecessary given the circumstances. The game remained a two-possession contest, but the odds of a 16-point comeback in the final seconds wasn't likely at all. 

Lanning could have opted for quarterback Dante Moore to take a knee and end the game without incident.

Texas Tech entered the game averaging 42.5 points per contest and was shut out. The Red Raiders committed four turnovers and failing to convert on three fourth down tries.

With the win, Oregon advances to the Peach Bowl for a rematch with top-ranked Indiana. The Hoosiers beat Oregon 30-20 at Autzen Stadium in the regular season. 

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Editorial Team