It is time we talk about the Ducks. When Dan Lanning and Co. went up against the Buckeyes, people had their doubts. And why won’t they? Ryan Day has built one of the strongest rosters this year and that paired with Chip Kelly‘s offensive play calling is going to give the team quite the boost. But do you know what happened? Dan Lanning proved that he too can roster-build like the elites. It was a close game, mind you, but Lanning and Co. brought home the W with a 32-31 win over Day and his roster.

That single game made it clear that no one was gonna stop Lanning from grabbing the entry to the playoffs. He-k check the Purdue game if you don’t believe us. 35-0 with pure domination from the start till the end. And now, as the team takes the field against the Illini, the fans are ready with their duck outfits. Wait, are those even ducks? CBS Sports took to their Instagram account to share a clip of the Oregon Ducks. “@theoregonduck always knows how to make a statement,” CBS mentioned. But you know what the funny part is? We think Ducks fans didn’t get the memo. Cause if you look at the stands, those look like minions, NOT DUCKS.

The entire Ducks fanbase has turned into the Minion army, and it is understandable why. Lanning and Co. are standing on a 7-win run, and it feels like the playoff dreams are gonna come true. He-k, what has it been? 3 minutes left in the first quarter? QB Dillon Gabriel has already managed to snag 2 touchdowns.

There is no way the Illini can grab a win in this one. You can argue that if Illinois managed to give the Huskers quite the fight, then why can’t they bring down the Ducks? Well, the answer lies in the offense and the defense Lanning has formulated for this season.

It’s kind of funny to think that when the crown went from Mario Cristobal to Lanning way back in 2021, fans had quite a doubt. It was understandable. You’re handing the HC cap to a first-time head coach. Risky move, but it is finally paying off. When Lanning and Co. managed to mop the floor with Georgia back in the 2022 season start, it started an entire ripple effect, which we are finally seeing take form this season.

Dan Lanning and the Ducks to the playoff?

Listen, we won’t beat around the bush regarding the Illini game. There is a high chance that Lanning will pull a W during this showdown. While Illinois has made a field goal, and the score now stands at 14-3, the overall performance that the Ducks have managed to show in the first quarter paints a very clear picture of what they gonna do in the remaining quarters.

The question now is, what comes after this? Well, on the schedule, the Ducks will be going toe-to-toe with the Wolverines next. Sherrone Moore and Co. are in hot waters. Former HC Jim Harbaugh has left behind a roster that is just a shadow of its former self. They won the cup last year, but they ain’t even gonna make it to the Bowl games this year. So, this game shouldn’t be a major problem for Lanning. If the Ducks pull past this one unscathed, then Wisconsin, Maryland, and Washington will be easy opponents.