Lanning’s 12-Man Joke Revives Oregon’s Win Over Ohio State
On November 3, Oregon coach Dan Lanning joked about using 12 defenders ahead of the Ducks’ November 7 game at Ohio State, recalling a controversial moment in Oregon’s 2024 victory.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning’s joke about adding a 12th defender before the Ducks face Ohio State on November 7 brought attention back to their 32-31 win in Eugene in 2024. That game ended with Oregon putting 12 defenders on the field during the Buckeyes’ final possession and accepting a five-yard penalty as time ran off the clock.
The NCAA later issued an interpretation for situations in which 12 or more defenders take part in a play after the two-minute timeout: the offense can have the game clock set back to when the play began, with the clock restarting on the next play. Asked about defending Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, Lanning joked, “We’re going to see if we can play with 12,” then acknowledged the reference.
Lanning called Smith a special, dynamic player and said opponents must account for him at all times. Smith has 62 catches for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns through eight games this season. He is one 100-yard game away from his 16th, which would give him Ohio State’s career record and put him ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr.
Smith had seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State’s 41-21 Rose Bowl win over Oregon on January 1, 2025. The Buckeyes are preparing a “Scarlet the Shoe” home crowd for Saturday’s game in Columbus, where they have won 12 straight. A victory would make Oregon bowl-eligible at 6-3 and give it consecutive wins over ranked teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific time.