Los Angeles It would be simple to identify Traeshon Holden’s spitting in an Ohio State player’s face as a serious rift in the previously well-maintained armor during a season full of instances demonstrating the strength of Oregon football’s culture under Dan Lanning.
After all, it was the season’s most important game. And the situation was terrible when the lights were at their brightest. Even if the Ducks’ historic victory over the Buckeyes and subsequent run to a Big Ten championship may have obscured the plot, Holden acknowledged as much in the aftermath.
A laid-back Holden didn’t hide his previous error from the media on Monday for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, where he will play the same Ohio State team on Wednesday in Pasadena.
Many people praised my subsequent handling of the matter, while Holden argued that I should never have placed myself in that predicament in the first place. I am more knowledgeable. I’ve had Coach Lanning on me. That’s my man. I am really grateful to him. I’ve been working on myself and becoming a better person by attending therapy. That seems to have greatly aided me in managing my emotions and thoughts. It has significantly improved.
Holden saw his predicament as an illustration of the team’s unity; the Ducks handled a mistake that would have strained the bonds of a locker room and instead took advantage of the opportunity to improve.
Holden remarked, “I know my brother has me covered if I make a mistake, so I can go lean on him.” I’ve got him, so he can rely on me if he makes a mistake. You can’t be defeated once you have it in a locker room, in my opinion. The most crucial aspect of a team is that you may relax knowing that he will perform his duties. I have faith that he will fulfill his duties. This team is just that.
The tight end Terrance Ferguson claimed that the Ducks stand out among college football teams due to their all-encompassing, businesslike style, especially when traveling for important games like Oregon’s trip to the Big House or a boisterous Camp Randall. With more games needed to win a national championship than ever before, that might make a difference in the Rose Bowl and beyond.
Ferguson stated, “We treat them as business trips, and you really don’t have to worry about anybody.” For the team I’ve been on, that is a first. Not concerned about anyone having fun or playing around. We are here to conduct business, and this is a business trip. We’ve done a fantastic job doing it this season, in my opinion.
It involves more than just keeping everyone focused on the current job or turning errors into learning opportunities for these Ducks. What distinguishes the Ducks, according to players, is the deliberate time spent together off the field, which goes above and beyond what is needed in the daily grind of a collegiate football season or what many transfers claim they have encountered elsewhere.
Ferguson cited a recent trip for tight ends to shoot clay pigeons at Patrick Herbert’s residence and the retreat quarterback Dillon Gabriel took a few teammates on in his now-famous minivan before to the season. According to defensive back Jabbar Muhammad, defensive backs have congregated at his house to play College Football 25 on EA Sports and eat Rotel dip that Dontae Manning made.
Muhammad remarked, “I feel like we’ve been a connected team since I got here.” Coach Lanning goes above and beyond for us by letting us get to know one another, hosting dinner at his place, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among us. visiting someone’s home, preparing food, and so forth. Simply getting to know your brother outside of the field is crucial, in my opinion.
Holden highlighted Lanning’s readiness to delve into unrelated topics and establish genuine connections with players, including his apparent affinity for cologne with his 38-year-old coach. According to Holden, the Ducks’ relationship begins at the top, and Lanning’s impact extends beyond his inspirational talks.
Holden remarked, “It’s definitely different.” Just Coach Lanning and his personality; I’m not attempting to disparage Coach Nick Saban in any kind, but you were aware that Saban played straight football. When it wasn’t, I never had a conversation. Around ten o’clock at night, Coach Lanning would call and show me some fragrance. I can go into his office and discuss anything with a coach like that; it doesn’t even have to be football. All we’re doing is sitting there and hacking things up. Nothing better, in my opinion.
Being sociable with the people you work with is wonderful, but why is it important? Football players from Oregon claim that their bond and readiness to make sacrifices for one another offers them the competitive advantage they require at crucial situations.
The Ducks think that the team that has the strongest bond and is prepared to make genuine sacrifices for one another will prevail when all other factors—talent, experience, or discipline—are equal.
Wide receiver Tez Johnson stated, “Nobody can stand in our way. That’s the connection piece about this team.” It could be a cornerback hanging out with O-line or a receiver hanging out with D-line. It’s not something you see very often. That demonstrates our unity as a team. We have faith in one another.
We’re prepared to fight to the death beside one another. literally. We approach every game with that demeanor.
Rose Bowl quarterfinal for the CFP
-
Who:
No. 1 Oregon Ducks (13-0) vs. No. 8 Ohio State (11-2)
-
When:
Wednesday, Jan. 1
-
Time:
2 p.m. PT
-
Where:
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
-
TV channel:
ESPN
-
Stream:
You canwatch this game live for FREE with Fubo
(free trial) or
by signing up for Sling
(cheapest streaming plans, $25 off your first month). If you already have cable, you can also watch this game live on
Watch ESPN
with your cable or satellite provider login information.
-
Oregon Ducks football 2024 season schedule, scores
-
Sign up forThe Ducks Beat newsletter
–The Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference are covered by Ryan Clarke. Get the Ducks Roundup email or listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast.
Latest Ducks news
-
Oregon football nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell open to returning in 2025
-
Oregon football offensive tackle George Silva will come back for sure after receiving additional year of eligibility
-
Watch: Bucky Irving says stray duck on the field is a sign the Oregon Ducks will win national championship
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
