Ducks stumble in week 2

Oregon entered the season as a national championship contender but lost 39-31 to Oklahoma State in Stillwater, dropping to 1-1 after also trailing Boise State by double digits in week 1.

Penalties piling up

Coach Dan Lanning identified repeated penalties as a major problem. Players are jumping offside in consecutive games and committing the same mistakes week after week.

“When penalties hurt you one week and they hurt you the next week, I think that's an indicator that we're not resolving a problem.”

Focus and leadership lacking

Lanning said the issue goes beyond individual mistakes. When the same player jumps offside twice, it signals a focus problem that the team hasn't resolved.

“When our guy jumps offside in one game and then turns around and jumps offside in the next game, his level of focus isn't where it needs to be.”

Some penalties are coachable

Lanning acknowledged that aggressive play happens and some penalties are flukes, like a facemask grab. But inexcusable mistakes like offside on fourth-and-1 after extensive practice time must stop.

“But to have an offside on a fourth-and-1 when you spend extensive time on it. That's inexcusable.”

Freshman struggles in new environment

A freshman jumping offside on short yardage in his first road game is understandable, but the team must overcome those circumstances to win games.

Portland State offers reset

Playing an FCS opponent this week gives Oregon a chance to regroup and fix discipline issues before facing ranked opponents like USC and Ohio State.

Playoff hopes still alive

Despite the 1-1 start, Oregon has the talent to reach the College Football Playoff and win its first national championship. Discipline and leadership are the keys.

Lanning takes responsibility

The coach said he hasn't coached well enough and knows he can do better. If he improves, the team will improve and could become very good.

“I haven't coached them well enough. I haven't done a good enough job, so I know I can do better.”

Focus on today, not tomorrow

Lanning urged the team to stop worrying about the end of the season and focus on playing well today. That's where improvement starts.

“Let's stop worrying about tomorrow. Let's stop worrying about the end of the season. Let's worry about today.”

Tough road ahead

After Portland State, Oregon faces ranked road matchups against number twelve USC on September twenty-sixth and number six Ohio State on November seventh.

Friday night at Autzen

Oregon and Portland State kick off Friday at seven thirty p.m. Pacific Time at Autzen Stadium, broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Team ready to respond

Expect Oregon to come out focused and determined to play consistent football against the Vikings after two weeks of discipline struggles.