Oregon’s stunning 30–20 loss to Indiana marked Dan Lanning’s first regular-season defeat since joining the Big Ten, and it was as ugly as they come. And when the Ducks fell, the aftershocks reached all the way to the NFL, landing on the shoulders of former Oregon standout DeForest Buckner, now a star with the $5.9B valued Indianapolis Colts.

For DeForest Buckner, loyalty to Oregon runs deep, perhaps too deep when the Ducks stumble. Before kickoff, Buckner had wagered with Colts co-owner Kalen Jackson, a proud Indiana University alum, that his Ducks would handle the Hoosiers with ease. Oregon entered unbeaten, boasting a top-10 ranking and their first Big Ten campaign under head coach Dan Lanning. But confidence proved costly.

On Thursday, he arrived for media availability dressed head-to-toe in crimson, complete with Indiana’s signature candy-striped pants, a matching shirt, and IU cap. Jackson, watching via Zoom, could hardly contain her delight as teammates teased and reporters laughed. The 6-foot-7 lineman, usually the embodiment of composure, could only grin through the good-natured ridicule.

The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. Buckner, after all, had started this very tradition. Earlier in the season, when Oregon edged Penn State 30–24 in overtime, Buckner made Colts communications VP Matt Conti, a Nittany Lions alum, appear at a press conference wearing a full Ducks mascot costume. Buckner answered media questions as Conti stood beside him, feathers and all.

So when Indiana stunned Oregon last weekend, the tables turned perfectly. And it’s not just the Colts who are maintaining these bets. Giants DE Abdul Carter showed up to talk to the media rocking an Oregon Ducks hoodie. And all because he lost a bet to Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Dan Lanning couldn’t hide it for long

Oregon’s first loss this season exposed several holes in the system that were all hidden for the past 5 matches. For five games, Oregon’s offensive line struggles were mostly under the radar. But Indiana’s defense dominated the line of scrimmage. The Ducks’ usually potent rushing attack sputtered, netting only 81 yards on 30 carries, and a shocking one yard in the entire second half. That ground game stall killed momentum.

Dante Moore, who just sacked once before the Indiana game, was led down 6 whole times by the Hoosiers. On the other side, Indiana ran 111 yards, and RB Roman Hemby also did his part. He dominated the line and scored two touchdowns, including a 70-yard sprint that punctuated Indiana’s physical control of the game. That means Oregon’s offensive line couldn’t protect its QB or sustain its rushing attack against a top-line physical defense.

Now, these are some big glaring holes in a Big Ten setup. But Dan Lanning is never the one to shy away from an honest rival opinion. “They played a better game than us,” Lanning said. “They were better coached than us today. And our guys recognize that every one of our goals is still in front of us and an opportunity to attack.” Something to focus on is how the once-invincible Ducks suddenly have a clear weakness that opponents will surely attack.