Oregon coach Dan Lanning shifted his focus from a recent victory over USC to praising UCLA ahead of their upcoming game. During a media availability on Wednesday, Lanning compared UCLA to Indiana, which won the national championship last year under coach Curt Cignetti. He noted that new UCLA coach Bob Chesney has brought in many staff members and 11 transfers from James Madison, where Cignetti previously coached.
Lanning described UCLA as an 'extremely well-coached team' with continuity among its coaching staff. He highlighted their strong running game, explosive plays, and aggressive defense. The No. 23 Bruins, who have a record of 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, will face the No. 15 Ducks, who are 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, on October 10 at Autzen Stadium after both teams have a bye week.
When asked about USC linebacker Desman Stephens II reaching out to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore after a hit that resulted in Moore's concussion, Lanning stated he would no longer discuss the previous game, emphasizing the need to move on. He confirmed that Moore remains in concussion protocol and mentioned that backup quarterback Dylan Raiola would step in if Moore is unable to play.
The upcoming game against UCLA is a rematch, as Chesney and many of his staff faced Oregon last December in the College Football Playoff, where James Madison lost 51-34. Lanning acknowledged the challenges posed by UCLA's running back Wayne Knight, who has scored nine rushing touchdowns this season.