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The Oregon Ducks' 2025 season has not unfolded as planned, with the team sitting at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play after a 21-10 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday. Despite the postseason now being out of reach, the Ducks remain steadfast in their commitment to improvement.
Defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. offered insight into how Oregon has regrouped following the difficult start, as the team prepares to host the No. 20 Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday.
Regrouping From Difficult Start to Season
Finney Jr. emphasized that the team is focused on growth rather than dwelling on outcomes. "I really feel like this team is very focused on growth," he said. "Obviously, if it went our way, we'd be 7-0 right now. But I feel like Coach Lanning does a good job talking about not being focused on the outcome and really on our process."
He continued, "We go through times like this, and it's just like, how can we get back to work? How can we get better? What are we doing wrong? Because it's not going the way we want it to, but if we're going to sit back and cry about it, we'll lose the rest of our games. So we get back to what we can do to get better and not really cower about it."
Game Planning For Opposing Quarterback
When asked about preparing for the opposing quarterback, Finney Jr. stressed execution and controllables. "Do your job. And as long as we execute, we know at the end of the day that's all we can do. That's all we can control. So we've got to execute."
Responding In Practice
Finney Jr. identified intent as the key word for practice. "Intent is a word that I would use. Not too much like getting hype. It's just like, how can we execute? Juice is good, but if you run in the wrong direction, that's not going to do anything. How can you execute? That's what we're focusing on right now."
Touchdown Pass In Illinois Game
Reflecting on a touchdown pass allowed in the Illinois game, Finney Jr. viewed it as a learning opportunity. "I feel like moments like that can either move you up or break you down. I'm not going to be the person that I'm going to let it break me down. Situations like that, I really use as something to give me confidence. It's like, really, you can do something really good in life and still lose. And I feel like that's something you can learn in life, not just on the football field."
He added, "I went through a lot of emotions in like 10 seconds. But as a DB, you kind of have to have that mentality. Anything can happen. How are you going to respond? I can make an amazing pick. Next play, I can get bombed on. How am I going to respond?"
Oregon Ducks Offense
Finney Jr. also praised the offense's adaptability. "I'm really primarily focused on how I can get the best out of our defense. How can I bring guys along with me, and how can I execute my job? But I feel like our offense has done a really good job of just shifting and executing."
Preparing For Northwestern's Offense
Looking ahead to Northwestern, Finney Jr. acknowledged the challenges posed by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. "Obviously, Chip Kelly is a really good OC, but they do a lot of stuff. They do a triple-option offense. They do a lot of shots. They'll get up past the ball, do a CFL-type offense, but at the end of the day, they can do anything. How can we line up and do our job and execute the cause that Coach Hamp presents to us?"
Reaction to Dante Moore News
Finney Jr. also addressed news regarding teammate Dante Moore. "Dante's obviously my guy, but my job is to do my job. I can't really control anything else about what anybody else does. That wasn't going to change how I come to work."