The Oregon Ducks hit the reset button during the past two weeks before diving into preparation for Saturday’s College Football Playoff matchup against James Madison at Autzen Stadium.
Time away from football to handle finals week before returning to the field did the team good.
“It was like a breath of fresh air, honestly,” UO senior running back Noah Whittington said. “We came back with tremendous energy. Guys seemed like they were itching to get back.”
Oregon last played November 29 at Washington, winning 26-14 to clinch a CFP berth. The No. 5 Ducks (11-1) host No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
This is the 12-team playoff format’s second year. Last season playoff run proved unsuccessful for Oregon.
The Ducks won the Big Ten Conference, earning the No. 1 seed, then following a 25-day layoff, lost 41-21 to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl/quarterfinals.
Many wondered if the long layoff contributed to the Ducks falling behind Ohio State 34-0 in the second quarter. This year, the layoff is similar, but the caliber of opponent is not.
The Ducks will not have played for 21 days when Saturday’s game kicks off. But facing JMU, the Sun Belt Conference champions, is different from taking on the Buckeyes, who went on to win the national title.
Lanning, who never made excuses for the loss to Ohio State, said he learned lessons from last year but wouldn’t reveal alterations.
“But we have a plan,” he said.
That plan includes forgetting the past.
“I’ve been just approaching it like a clean slate,” Whittington said. “Not really carrying any bad emotions from last year.”
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning high-fives fans after the No. 6 Ducks defeat the Washington Huskies, 26-14, in a college football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
This year’s plan includes giving the players time away from football and more freedom to focus on academics, while providing the coaches with a larger window for evaluations. Lanning saw the break as a chance for a strong finish to fall quarter, while the coaches could tinker with game wrinkles while identify areas of strength and growth.
On Monday, the Ducks resumed their normal game-prep schedule, utilizing the same routines used during the regular season.
Center Iapani Laloulu said last year’s long break might have led to some complacency. But this year the Ducks worked to maintain their competitive fire.
The result was an upbeat practice.
“I think it was kind of good for everyone to kind of get away for a second, clear their head and come back and you just feel fresh,” tight end Kenyon Sadiq said.
Winning a national championship will require four consecutive victories starting Saturday. The Ducks began playing with a can’t-lose-again mindset after a 30-20 loss at home to No. 1 Indiana on Oct. 11. Now it’s real.
“I think it’s important that everyone realizes that,” Sadiq said. “There’s no second chances.”
The Ducks lost most of their impact players from last year’s team. Whittington said he told current teammates to work harder to ensure they’ll be prepared for big moments. Embrace the pressure rather than run from it.
“So that you leave this season with no regret,” Whittington said. “Just trying to cross all your boxes, so that you know you’re fully prepared when you go out there on Saturday.”
No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 20Time: 4:30 p.m. PTWhere: Autzen StadiumTV: TNT/HBO MaxStream: You can watch this game on DIRECTV (free trial), with Fubo (free trial), or with Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.