This week's short film from Oregon video shows vividly but quietly how the Ducks are motivated by faith, love, gratitude and community.
As a part of their preparation they made Thanksgiving baskets for families in Eugene, beginning with a prayer of thanks. "We thank you for the opportunity to be here together," one said.
On Thanksgiving Day running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples led a meeting and he told his players,
"Today is the day you get away with just telling somebody you love them. Tell them you're thankful for I'm thankful for every person in this (expletive) room. Love every single last one of y'all, man. Happy Thanksgiving."
The team ate the Thanksgiving meal together. Coaches brought their wives and children, Will Stein loading his plate with his infant daughter in his arms, an angel-shaped pink binky in her mouth.
The players chanted off the things they sought to do this week. Number one, take the PNW (Pacific Northwest.) Number two, embrace the chaos. Number three, show our love.
At practice, Lanning told his players,
"I'm thankful for the guys that make this team better that never get the praise, that never get the accolades. And part of what I'm thankful for is the opportunity to work for you. I know I speak for every coach here when we talk about how thankful and grateful we are for you, right?"
He named Zack Grace, Demetri Manning, Ross James and Gavin Nix.
By game day, the Ducks had a specific vision for what they had to do, their purpose and the strategies needed to win the game. They anticipated big moments. It was part of a cohesive message and design.
Oregon won 26-14 and celebrated with a "Dubs down" after Dillon Thieneman's game-sealing pick. Dan Lanning's goal of a unified, player-led team was fully realized.