Playing in Happy Valley for Penn State's annual White Out game, Dan Lanning and his Oregon Ducks came out on top, taking down the Nittany Lions 30–24 in double overtime.
The game began as a defensive slugfest, with both teams managing just a field goal by the end of the first half. The Ducks then gained momentum in the second half, taking a seven-point lead in the third quarter off a touchdown pass by quarterback Dante Moore and then a two-touchdown lead in the fourth after a scoring run from Jordon Davison.
Oregon appeared on their way to a win at that point, but Penn State fought back. The Nittany Lions rallied with two touchdowns in the final quarter, tying the game at 17–17 and forcing overtime.
Though Lanning nearly jinxed his own team, the Ducks came through in overtime. After Penn State opened the extra frame with a touchdown, Oregon scored two touchdowns on back-to-back series and picked off Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar to seal the game.
Lanning told reporters following the game, "I think that's the best game I’ve ever been a part of."
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In Lanning's postgame interview immediately after the victory, he was visibly emotional. "Gonna be about 1,000 cuts. Every cut matters, every cut matters," Lanning told NBC Sports. "Unbelievable job of our guys keeping their composure. We said this game's gonna be about 1,000 cuts. Every cut matters, every cut matters. Eventually, we hit the jugular. That was it, right there. Our quarterback is an absolute all-star. Our team, special man, special."
"Our team is special man, special."
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 28, 2025
Oregon's win meant everything to Dan Lanning. 👏 pic.twitter.com/C17eZok5eY
Dan Lanning, the man of the hour. pic.twitter.com/QLHDveKRCa
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) September 28, 2025
With this win, Oregon moves to 5–0 and continues its success since joining the Big Ten. They'll head on bye but look to continue their win streak in Week 7, when they return home to face Indiana.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Dan Lanning Fought Back Tears During Interview After Double OT Win at Penn State.
