Everything Dan Lanning said ahead of Oregon's trip to USC

Q: Over the last week and a half or so, how have you seen the energy, the focus of the guys improve from obviously that low moment they were in at Oklahoma State?

DL: "When you know what practice is supposed to look like, and it looked much more like what we wanted to look like last week. Now, as a player, every guy in this program's goal is to get better. And when they see, OK, we improved in operation, we improved in execution on the field because of the way we practiced and what we did, it makes them want that even more at a higher level when you walk into practice this week. This is a game that doesn't take anything for our guys to get excited for. We've got several guys that are from the area getting to go back home. This is a significant game against a really good team, an undefeated team. So that challenge in itself, I think, is going to lend toward really good practices and making sure that we do a good job as coaches of putting together a good plan."

Jayden Maiava

Q: You mentioned the quarterback first. What makes (Maiava) so good, and then secondly, how do you think he's even grown since the last time you guys played him last November?

DL: "One, he gives his wide receivers a chance. There's some unbelievable catches that were made in the Rutgers game, but he puts the ball in places where they have a chance to go make a play on the ball, and a lot of times your back's to the ball as a DB; you really struggle when it's in a tight window to be able to do that. He can extend plays with his feet, but he always keeps his eyes downfield. He's a guy that can scramble to throw and have success, and then he's obviously athletic enough to be able to run as well. And you know, it's if you look at quarterbacks in Lincoln's system, they've always had success, but he's certainly had success. He's been there now a number of years, where it's going to allow him to be the best version of himself."

USC's Rushing Attack

Q: King Miller, just the assessment of him at running back, and it just seems like they're a little bit more physical this year up front too, as well with their run game.

DL: "Yeah, a little bit of scheme variation that's different than what they've done in the past, but certainly a good runner. I think their offensive line is as good as it's been since I've been here. As far as the pieces that they have up front, some guys that have played for them for a number of years now that have really grown into themselves, and they have backs that run the ball really well. I think that's always the identity of a good team for Lincoln: their ability to rush the ball at a high level."

Stopping an Explosive Passing Attack

Q: Building off the question about Maiava, USC is obviously utilizing the explosive air attack a little more. It's something that you saw earlier on in the season against Oklahoma State and Boise State, the explosive air attack. What's the message from a defensive standpoint, especially in the secondary, as you progress to go up against an explosive pass game?

DL: "Do your job, eye discipline. Can't panic when the ball's in the air. We have to do a good job of that this week. Certainly, last year when we played them, that showed up a good amount. We were able to do a decent job against the run game, and then the ball started getting thrown down the field. We had some pass interference calls. We have to try to create that in practice because they do a really good job of that. But more than anything, do your job, have eye discipline, and then put yourself in a position to be able to make a play on the ball."

Injury Update

Q: Curious if you'd be willing to give an update on Jeremiah McClellan and Kendre Harrison, and also where Jamari Johnson is at going into the game.

DL: "Feel good about Kendre, and Jamari was out there today. Both those guys, I think, will get more and more reps throughout practice as we go throughout the week, and should have availability. JMac's going to be down for a little bit of time. Broke his foot. There in pregame, kind of a weird deal. Fortunately, he's a tough guy, and certainly somebody that we relied on and will rely on in the future. So it's just a matter of when we can be able to get him back."