Dan Lanning’s Stellar Defense Leads Oregon Ducks to 21-7 Victory Over Wisconsin – Badgers’ Red Zone Struggles Continue

Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks delivered another defensive masterpiece, shutting down Wisconsin 21-7 at Autzen Stadium. The Badgers’ red-zone woes reached crisis levels, failing to score on three of four trips inside the 20-yard line.

Oregon’s defense dominated from start to finish, recording four sacks and forcing two turnovers. Wisconsin’s offense showed slight improvement but couldn’t overcome critical mistakes, extending their winless streak in Big Ten play.

With the victory, Lanning’s squad improves to 7-1, solidifying their position as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.

Dan Lanning’s Defense Dominates as Oregon Ducks Rout Wisconsin 21-7

Oregon’s defensive masterclass under Dan Lanning stifled Wisconsin’s offense in a decisive 21-7 victory at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks held the Badgers scoreless until the fourth quarter while forcing two red zone turnovers. Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai completed just 12 of 25 passes under relentless pressure from Oregon’s front seven.

Key defensive statistics:

• 4 sacks and 9 tackles for loss
• 3 forced fumbles (1 recovered)
• 5 pass breakups in critical situations

“Lanning’s defensive scheme completely neutralized Wisconsin’s rushing attack. The Ducks haven’t allowed 100+ rushing yards to any Power 5 opponent this season – that’s championship-level defense.”

Wisconsin’s Offensive Woes Reach Critical Levels

The Badgers’ red zone struggles hit new lows with four failed scoring opportunities inside Oregon’s 20-yard line. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s playcalling drew boos from traveling Wisconsin fans after back-to-back failed screen passes on 3rd and goal.

Historical context makes this more alarming: Wisconsin has now gone 11 quarters without an offensive TD against Power 5 opponents – their worst drought since 1990.

Is Luke Fickell on the Hot Seat After Wisconsin’s 2-6 Start?

Second-year head coach Luke Fickell faces mounting pressure following Wisconsin’s fourth consecutive loss. The $50 million contract extension signed last offseason provides little comfort as the Badgers rank 112th nationally in scoring offense (17.1 PPG).

“The buyout makes firing Fickell expensive, but Wisconsin boosters aren’t known for patience. If they lose to Ohio State by 30+ next week, the administration might have no choice.”

Potential Coaching Candidates If Change Occurs

Should Wisconsin make a move, these names could surface:

• Jim Leonhard (Illinois DC): Former Badgers defensive coordinator and fan favorite
• Lance Leipold (Kansas HC): Wisconsin native with turnaround experience
• Chris Petersen (Former Washington HC): Offensive mind who knows the conference

Oregon’s Playoff Resume: Legitimate Contender or Pretender?

At 7-1, Dan Lanning’s Ducks control their Big Ten destiny. The upcoming schedule presents both opportunity and peril:

• Maryland (5-2) – November 4
• at Penn State (6-1) – November 11
• vs Michigan State (3-4) – November 18

The lone blemish – a 31-28 OT loss to Indiana – could haunt Oregon given:

• CFP Committee typically penalizes conference title game absence
• Strength of schedule ranks just 42nd nationally

“Lanning needs style points against Penn State. A 10+ point win over a ranked team would erase doubts about Oregon’s playoff legitimacy.”

2026 Recruiting Fallout: Can Wisconsin Salvage Class?

Despite the losing streak, Wisconsin hosted several coveted prospects including:

• ★★★★ OT Jake Edwards (Madison, WI)
• ★★★★ QB Ryan Mitchell (Chicago, IL)
• ★★★ TE Cole Anderson (Minneapolis, MN)

The Badgers currently rank 9th in Big Ten recruiting – their worst position since 2015. Rivals report Edwards may delay his December signing day decision pending coaching stability.

The Ohio State Preview: How Bad Could It Get?

Wisconsin faces a nightmare scenario next week in Columbus:

• Ohio State averages 6.8 yards per play (5th nationally)
• Badgers rank 89th in third-down defense (42.1% conversion rate)
• Last meeting: 52-21 Buckeyes win in 2024

“Unless Wisconsin fixes their red zone offense overnight, this could be a 45-10 type game. The Buckeyes will smell blood after seeing Oregon’s defensive success.”