The most memorable moments of the Oregon Ducks in 2022
We are almost ready to say goodbye to 2022 and move into 2023 full steam ahead. We are excited about the promise of new beginnings and a new slate. However, before we embark on the next year, we want to reflect on the year that has passed.
For the Oregon Ducks, it’s been a great year, not just in the football world, but across the entire sports landscape as well. While Dan Lanning and the Ducks had some great success in the first-year head coach’s inaugural season in Eugene, we also saw some fireworks from Dana Altman, Kelly Graves, and a few former Oregon Ducks on the track as well.
As the clock ticks down on 2022, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable moments for Duck fans in the past calendar year:
Jahlil Florence Commitment
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images).
This was arguably Dan Lanning’s first big win as a Duck. It was fitting that this win came while Lanning was on the recruiting trail. Oregon was competing with the USC Trojans for 4-star cornerback Jahlil Flores. Lanning won the battle and managed to get Jahlil on board after Mario Cristobal’s departure.
Florence is now a critical piece of defense and plans to be a potential start in 2023.
Josh Conerly Commitment
Josh Conerly was Jahlil Florence’s appetizer for recruiting. The 5-star ranking ranked him as the No. He was ranked the No.1 OT in the country, and his recruiting came down to Oregon or USC. Many people thought he would choose the Trojans. But, a sudden, unnoticed visit to Eugene changed the course of events. His announcement was quite entertaining. Look at how excited the Ducks’ coaching staff was to land the blue-chipper:
That was definitely a memorable moment for me.
Oregon Spring Game
The Oregon Spring Game has always been a great event. But this year, it was even more fun because it allowed Duck fans to get a glimpse of what was to come. It was Lanning’s first time in a packed Autzen Stadium, Bo Nix’s first experience running the Oregon offense, and Kenny Dillingham’s first chance to show what his play-calling tendencies were like.
It was a positive outcome, especially in the Dillingham area. Fans were captivated by the ability to take long shots and have players like Troy Franklin or Seven McGee participate in the offense. After years of the vanilla Mario Cristobal system, there was a bright future.
The Devon Allen Debacle
(The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images ).
These memories may not be all positive.
Allen was disqualified from final 110m hurdles at the World Track and Field Championships, Eugene, at Hayward Field. This was despite a controversial false start call in which Allen appeared to have been recorded as having left the blocks.001 seconds earlier than he was allowed. Fans were upset afterward, to say the least.
Allen’s heartbreaking finish to the meet would have made it easy to blame the outdated or unfair rule. He chose to take the high road and show a little class after all was said and done.
UCLA beats you in College GameDay
October 22 was an extraordinary day in Eugene. From sunrise until sunset, it was probably one of the most memorable events in 2022.
It’s the day that ESPN’s College GameDay came to town with a matchup between the No. 9 UCLA Bruins vs. No. 10 Oregon Ducks. GameDay featured Dan Lanning, Sabrina Ionescu, and Lee Corso reuniting with The Duck. The morning was an unforgettable spectacle for football fans. It was also a lot of fun, with the Ducks winning a dramatic 45-30 victory over Chip Kelly and his Bruins. This proved that they were one of the most talented teams in the country. It was an amazing day to be a Duck.
Official Signing of Mookie Cook, KJ Evans and Jackson Shelstad
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Date: November 10, 2010
After a difficult recruiting season for Dana Altman’s Ducks, this day is when recruits finally get to sign papers. Altman signed three of top 2023 players, securing the No. 8 team in the country with a pair 5-stars and the most talented player in Oregon.
This day saw the Ducks welcome Mookie Cook, KJ Evan, and Jackson Shelstad to the fold. one of the best quotes Altman answered when Altman asked him how he was capable of recruiting such high-profile athletes despite the constant staff turnover.
“We’re still the University of Oregon.”
Win over Utah Utes
Troy Wayrynen – USA TODAY Sports
Date: November 19
This doesn’t feel like a game that Oregon should have won, in retrospect. Bo Nix, QB, was severely injured by a foot injury and was unable to play until game time. You also had the eventual Pac-12 Champions Utah Utes, who were looking to continue their dominance of the Ducks and take advantage of an Oregon defense that was less than stellar throughout the season.
Oregon was able to step up and win a hard-fought home victory. Nix was incredible, persevering through pain to lead the Ducks in victory. Utah was held to just 17 points by the defense, which was unmatched. This was undoubtedly the most important win for the Ducks in 2022.
Will Richardson Triple-Double (12/10)
Date: December 10, 2010
In college basketball, triple-doubles don’t come often. Will Richardson scored 19 points, dished out 10 rebounds and had 11 assists against Nevada Wolfpack. It was the first time a player from Oregon has achieved a triple-double since Luke Jackson’s 2002 feat. It was the highlight of Richardson’s impressive 2022 season, where he has sparked the Ducks as their emotional leader, as well as being the best player on the court.
Endyia Rogers Career Game (12/11)
USA Today’s Ducks Wire)| USA Today’s Ducks Wire)
Date: December 11,
The Oregon State Beavers games are always huge, but when you win a comeback victory based on a career performance, it’s definitely worth revisiting. Oregon’s Endyia Rogers scored a career-high 34 points against the Beavers on December 11, including 14 points in the final 5 minutes of the game that allowed the Ducks to mount an impressive comeback and beat the in-state rival.
National Signing Day
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Date: 21 December
I said earlier that October 22 might have been the most memorable day in 2022 for Oregon fans because of College GameDay and the UCLA game, but you could argue it was December 21 — National Signing Day — as well.
Dan Lanning, the Ducks and their recruiting machine took over the news cycle. The day began with a 4-star QB Austin Novosad (Baylor) flipping to Oregon. Soon, 5-star EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei followed suit, announcing his commitment for the Ducks. As if that weren’t enough, 4-star CB Daylen Austin flipped from LSU to Oregon early in the afternoon, and 4-star RB Jayden Limar followed suit by flipping from Notre Dame to Oregon not long after. It was a rollercoaster ride when OT Ajani Cornwallelius, one the most prominent players in the transfer portal committed to the Ducks. Oregon capped the event by signing 5-star WR Jurrion Dixon that evening.
From start to finish, it was an absolutely wild day to be an Oregon fan and showed immense promise for what’s to come in the Dan Lanning era.
Holiday Bowl victory
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Date: December 28
The Ducks finished the year with a thrilling win in the Holiday Bowl against North Carolina Tar Heels. Oregon lost 10 points in the first quarter. However, the Ducks were able to rally thanks to some timely stops by the defense and a great performance from the offense later in the game. With 19 seconds remaining, a TD pass by Bo Nix to Chase Cota tied the game. Camden Lewis added an extra point with a ricocheted pass off the upright and through for a go-ahead point.
It was a great way to close the year.