Oregon’s 39-31 loss in T. Boone Pickens Stadium was a thorough failure of coaching and culture. Outgained 554-281, the Ducks were slow, sloppy, and uninspired in all phases.
They missed tackles and dropped passes. They committed stupid penalties, jumping offsides. They folded in the pocket under pressure and fumbled away their last chance. In their first two games, Oregon is 0-6 on 4th down, the last one a rushed, ill-advised throw into the turf on 4th and 8 at their own 33 with 6:48 to play, an indefensible coaching blunder with little chance of success.
On the other side, the game was a great college football story, a testament to determination and resilience. Oklahoma State had lost 20 games in a row to FBS opponents, beaten a week ago by Tulsa 24-10. Under new coach Eric Morris the Cowboys had a great plan and played fast, sending Dan Lanning to his first defeat against an unranked opponent, now 49-9 overall…