PASADENA, Calif.

— In a stunning upset, No. 1 ranked Oregon fell to No. 8 Ohio State with a score of 41-21 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, marking a disappointing end to the Ducks’ season with a record of 13-1.

Post-game, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning addressed the media, offering an honest assessment of the performance and the extraordinary capabilities of their opponents.

“I want to take a moment before diving into the game to extend our thoughts and prayers to the people of New Orleans in these tough times,” Lanning began. “Such tragedies remind us of the fragility of life, and I hope for solutions and healing for all affected.”

Turning to the game itself, Lanning was candid about the Ducks' failure to execute: “Ohio State was firing on all cylinders tonight while we just couldn’t find our rhythm. It’s crucial to be at your best against a great team like theirs, and unfortunately, we didn’t deliver. They were relentless, and we struggled to stop them on defense while also failing to generate momentum on offense.”

Lanning praised Ohio State's coaching staff, notably head coach Ryan Day, for the team’s effective strategies. “They were ready, and it showed. Our players achieved a lot this season, but tonight we ran into a superior opponent. I have immense respect for what they have accomplished.”

Despite the lopsided score, Lanning highlighted the determination of his players, stating, “Throughout the game, there was never a moment when I felt any of our guys were discouraged or not giving their all. The coaching staff needs to do better in preparing for moments like these. I am proud of this team and what they have achieved this season, even if it’s painful right now.”

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel elaborated on their struggles: “We aimed to make explosive plays and convert on third downs, but we fell short. Ohio State had a fantastic game plan – we simply didn’t execute ours effectively.”

Discussing the various factors that contributed to the loss, Lanning acknowledged their struggles in adapting to Ohio State’s offense, particularly in coverage assignments that led to big plays. “We faced a team with very few weaknesses. Their receivers, led by standout Jeremiah Smith, attacked our coverage relentlessly, exploiting our mistakes.”

On the subject of team mentality, Lanning shared his admiration for his players’ resilience. “Even when down, they continued to fight back, scoring on consecutive possessions. Their resolve should inspire us moving forward.”

Taking a broader perspective, Lanning noted the significance of learning from defeats. “Tonight is tough, but it offers lessons as we look ahead. This team achieved a lot this year, and I’m grateful to coach them. These young men have shown not just athletic talent but are destined to excel in life beyond football.”

Injuries also played a role in the game, as Lanning revealed that tight end Evan had been limited due to an issue sustained in warm-ups. “Evan has been a pivotal player for us all season. We chose to protect his health, but he wanted to contribute. Losing a player of his caliber is always tough, and we would have loved to have him out there with us.”

As for Ohio State’s turnaround since their loss to Michigan earlier in the season, Lanning noted the importance of adapting quickly in college football. “Every game is a new opportunity. They came out today ready to exploit our weaknesses and did a phenomenal job,” he said.

Reflecting on the future, Lanning concluded, “It’s crucial to transform tonight's disappointment into motivation. There are a lot of talented young men in our locker room who will go on to achieve great things, not just in football but in all walks of life. It’s about how you respond to setbacks that truly defines you.”

With the conclusion of the College Football Playoff, both Oregon and Ohio State will look to the future, with the challenge of building on their respective campaigns as they move forward in their programs.