Disappointing Performance Overshadows Oregon's First CFP Appearance Since 2014 In a game that should have been a celebratory occasion for the Oregon Ducks, head coach Dan Lanning expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's performance in the second half of their 28-27 victory over James Madison in the opening round of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Ducks, who were making their first CFP appearance since 2014, entered the matchup as heavy favorites against the FCS upstart Dukes. However, a lapse in focus and execution in the latter stages of the game nearly cost Oregon a chance to advance to the next round. "We fell short of the standard that we set for ourselves," Lanning said in his post-game press conference. "There were moments in that game where we just didn't play up to our potential, and that's something we're going to have to address as we move forward." Oregon's struggles began in the third quarter, when James Madison managed to erase a 15-point halftime deficit and tie the game at 27-27. The Ducks' offense, which had been efficient and productive in the first half, suddenly found itself unable to sustain drives or consistently move the ball downfield. Defensively, Oregon's usually stout unit was uncharacteristically porous, allowing the Dukes to march down the field and score a pair of unanswered touchdowns. It was a far cry from the dominant performance the Ducks had put on display in the opening 30 minutes of the game. "We got complacent, and that's something that can't happen, especially in a game of this magnitude," said senior linebacker Noah Sewell. "We have to be able to maintain our focus and intensity for the entire 60 minutes, and we just didn't do that today." The close call against James Madison highlighted the challenges that often arise when a heavily favored team faces an upstart opponent in a high-stakes postseason setting. While the Ducks ultimately prevailed, the narrow margin of victory raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level of college football. "We have to take a long, hard look at ourselves and figure out what we need to do to play up to our capabilities," Lanning said. "The margin for error is so small in the playoffs, and we can't afford to have letdowns like we did today." The victory over James Madison marked the first time Oregon had reached the CFP since the 2014 season, when they made it all the way to the national championship game before falling to Ohio State. The Ducks' return to the playoff stage was seen as a significant milestone for the program, as they looked to build on their recent success and cement their status as a perennial national title contender. However, the team's performance against the Dukes has cast some doubt on their ability to compete with the elite programs in the country. While they ultimately emerged victorious, the Ducks' struggles in the second half raised concerns about their mental toughness and ability to maintain their focus under pressure. "We know we have the talent and the potential to be a dominant team," said senior quarterback Bo Nix. "But we also know that we have to be able to bring that same level of intensity and execution for the entire game, no matter who we're playing." As the Ducks now prepare to face off against the winner of the other opening-round matchup, the pressure is on Lanning and his staff to ensure that their team is better equipped to handle the challenges that come with playing in the high-stakes environment of the College Football Playoff. "This is what we've been working for all season long," Lanning said. "We're excited to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship, but we know that we have to be at our best if we want to achieve that goal." Despite the underwhelming performance against James Madison, the Ducks remain in the hunt for their first national title since 2014. However, they will need to address the issues that plagued them in the second half and ensure that they are better prepared to handle the pressure and intensity of the CFP moving forward.