Oregon head coach Dan Lanning might be the greatest evil genius of all time. As the Ducks prepared to visit Camp Randall and the Badgers in Week 12, Lanning used one of Wisconsin's traditions against them.
"Jump Around" plays between the third and fourth quarters during Wisconsin home games, similar to "Shout" playing at Autzen Stadium. During practices ahead of the Big Ten matchup, Lanning played "Jump Around" during drills and in the locker room.
"We played that every single practice. We knew going into the 4th quarter that was going to be a mindset," said Bryce Boettcher, Oregon linebacker. "That song brought us all together and realized that no matter what the score is, we have each other's backs."
The Ducks were seen taking part in the post-third quarter tradition, bouncing around alongside the Badger crowd and team.
"It was kind of a reset button," said Jordan James, Oregon running back. "I'm sure it kind of threw them off that we were on the other side jumping around to their song."
Even after the game, the Oregon Duck mascot was seen bouncing around on a pogo stick in the end zone and a few players joined in on the fun.
The boys on a pogo stick 😭 I love my Ducks! https://t.co/22YWY5nf5R
— Autzen Zoo (@Autzen_Zoo) November 17, 2024
From purposely putting too many players on the field to run down the clock against Ohio State and calling a timeout to see Michigan fans leave the Big House, using "Jump Around" to Oregon's advantage was Lanning's latest in-game tactic, proving his ingenuity.
"Kind of like Pavlov's Dog, when you hear that song it means it's time to go," Lanning said after the win over Wisconsin. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel even said that the team just chose to enjoy it.
While Oregon is on a bye in Week 13, Lanning and the Ducks are getting ready for Lanning's biggest hurdle of his head coaching career: Washington. Oregon has yet to defeat the Huskies with Lanning as its head coach. As the Ducks and Lanning get ready to take on their long-lived rivals, fans should keep an eye out for what the Oregon head coach does next.