Over the past two days, Oregon has found itself under the microscope for the result of Friday Night's game. The Ducks were always going to blow the Portland State Vikings out, but some have seemingly decided that winning the game 84-0 was going too far. Many have bashed Dan Lanning and the Ducks for "running up the score" and "not showing empathy".
The arguments against the Ducks quite frankly are pointless, and almost every team has faced similar inferior competition, and beaten up on the team. Those who are bashing Oregon for the way that the game went are also ignoring what they didn't know about the game which Dan Lanning revealed on Monday Night.
Dan Lanning instantly shutdown all criticism for Portland State blowout
On Monday Night, Dan Lanning spoke to the media ahead of Oregon's first Big Ten clash against the USC Trojans. Before ending his press conference, Dan Lanning stated twice that he asked Portland State if they wanted to play 10 minute quarters in the 2nd half, but the Vikings declined.
Dan Lanning ended his press conference and said for the record twice in the second half if Portland State wanted to go to 10 minute quarters in the 2nd half, and both times Portland State declined.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) September 22, 2026
The Ducks' clearly tried to show empathy, but the Vikings wanted to play the full game so what is Oregon supposed to do? Dan Lanning didn't play his starters in the second half, and reached as far down the depth chart to play 4th string players at times.
Dan Lanning didn't use the game to pad Dante Moore's stats, and the Ducks weren't simply running up the score. Some players spend the entire year practicing and training for the chance to play for the Ducks, and when you can create memories for some of the players who won't play past college, it's great.
Akili Smith Jr. came to Oregon hoping to play for the same school as his father, and with the fact that one quarterback plays at a time, he may never get that chance as a starter. Akili Smith Jr's mother Tiesha Smith said it best, and hearing how much it means to the family for him to take snaps in Autzen Stadium, and live out his dreams makes it worth it.
Some say Oregon should have taken a knee, but for these kids to finally get their first opportunity for live action in a game, especially one who first tried on an Oregon helmet with a pacifier still in his mouth, it’s a dream come true! Proud of you Akili Smith jr! pic.twitter.com/ISTaqKLpan
— Tiesha Smith (@TieshaSmith) September 20, 2026
The same can be said for Junior wide receiver Brady Bidwell who scored his first career touchdown on Friday Night. Brady Bidwell is the son of former Oregon punter Josh Bidwell and former Oregon softball player Bethany (Smith), and he's spent 3 years working for the moment.
A special moment as Brady Bidwell celebrates his first @oregonfootball TD with his dad and NFL veteran Josh Bidwell, who also played for the Ducks. pic.twitter.com/90h2MdtJBb
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 19, 2026
People can bash Oregon all they want, but Dan Lanning thought of his opponent first before then deploying the backups. It's crazy to ask the Ducks to kneel the entire second half, and if Portland State wanted to play the full 60 minutes then why shouldn't Oregon use all 60 minutes to get better?
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