This current Oregon Ducks’ coaching staff was not around to experience the absolute destruction that was felt at the hands of Utah near the end of the 2021 season, as the Utes laid waste to Oregon’s College Football Playoff and Rose Bowl hopes.
That doesn’t mean that this new team is unaware of the feelings of revenge.
“I think they all have a taste in their mouth from last season,” Lanning said on Monday night. “You know, some of the guys weren’t here and some guys were, but they want to go perform. They want to go perform to their ability.”
While Oregon’s CFP chances went up in flames with the loss to the Washington Huskies last weekend, they still have a spot in the Pac-12 Championship to play for, and a win over Utah will go a long way in securing the Ducks’ place in Las Vegas.
They’re going to be put to the test, though, with Utah representing what Lanning said is probably the most complete team they’ve seen this season. Oregon has been hard at work preparing all week, and Lanning met with media members one final time ahead of the game on Saturday. Here are some of the most notable quotes from that press conference: