Oregon head coach Dan Lanning on Saturday called a play against Wisconsin that drew the ire of some fans.
Oregon-Wisconsin was on upset alert early as the Badgers led the Ducks 10-6 with 25 seconds left in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc. Oregon lined up as if the team was going to simply take a knee. But once quarterback Dillon Gabriel received the snap, he handed it off to running back Jordan James in what turned out to be a fake kneel-down.
FAKE KNEEL STOPPED ❌ @BadgerFootball #B1GFootball on NBC 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZSGquNHnX6
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 17, 2024
Jordan was stopped for a gain of just five yards as the score stood still to end the half.
Several spectators were not happy with Lanning’s attempt at trickery. A number of fans called Oregon out for running a “bush league” play to try to salvage a poor first-half performance against an inferior opponent.
I just do not like Dan Lanning, man.
Running a fake out of a kneel down is bush league to me.— Premal Bhatt (@prem_brulee) November 17, 2024
Bush league neck beard with the fake kneel down
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) November 17, 2024
Faking a knee is hot trash. I didn’t care about the extra man at end of game vs Ohio but faking knee is really whack.
— Michael (@TheHeinzeman2) November 17, 2024
Fake knee is bush league from Dan Lanning. #OREvsWIS
— Hoody (@TheHoody27) November 17, 2024
Despite the early scare and failed sleight of hand, Oregon still emerged victorious 16-13 to preserve their unbeaten record. Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei picked off Wisconsin QB Braedyn Locke to seal the result in the closing seconds.
MATAYO UIAGALELEI WINS THE GAME FOR OREGON! 🦆
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 17, 2024
The Ducks improved to 11-0 and now need just one more win over rival Washington to sweep the regular season slate.
