The challenge now is to avoid the pitfalls of 2007, 2010, 2012. Finish the job. Turn the focus to Purdue on Friday night. Stay committed to the process. The Ducks have put themselves in position to compete for the Big Ten title and the national championship, but there is no room for skipped steps. Like Nick Saban said yesterday on GameDay, “I used to preach to my players, ‘Nothing you’ve done in the past guarantees the future.'”
In his three years here Lanning’s done an exceptional job of keeping them focused on each opponent and putting away the teams they should put away. You expect that to continue with this group.
Watching the Ducks last night you get the feeling that this is a team uniquely suited to finish the job. The cool, even-keel leadership of Dillon Gabriel is a great strength. I love that Will Stein had them in the huddle on that last clutch field goal drive, patiently working the clock, keeping everybody focused, breaking out in unison, letting Gabriel’s leadership and experience seep into the unit. His leadership is the intangible; it’s far more important than his height or time in the 40.