Oregon's Lanning Previews Big Ten Opener at USC

Dan Lanning addressed reporters Monday as the Ducks prepare to open Big Ten play against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning met with reporters Monday as his team prepares for its Big Ten opener Saturday-style road trip to face USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Ducks come in off an 84-0 home win over Portland State that followed a road upset loss to Oklahoma State.

Lanning said Lincoln Riley's USC offenses are consistently difficult to contain, noting the Trojans have become more dynamic on special teams and feature a new defensive coordinator in D'Anton Lynn-patterson-era variety of looks that complicate preparation. He added that the Coliseum environment will be a significant test, as it will be his first game there since arriving at Oregon.

Looking back at the Portland State win, Lanning said the blowout still provided value, citing young players earning their first college snaps and tackle Fox Crader's path from limited reps against Montana State a year ago to starting. He acknowledged penalties remained an issue in the second half and said the run game showed more creativity.

On the pass rush, Lanning defended his front, pointing out Oregon's defense played only 37 snaps against Portland State with roughly 20 passes and six dropbacks. He said Aydin Breland recorded a sack and the quarterback was hit multiple times, arguing there simply were few rush opportunities. He added that the upcoming USC game will offer a better assessment.