Dan Lanning Comments on Status of Bucky Irving Following Win Over WSU

Irving ran scored three touchdowns and accounted for 180 all-purpose yards in a win over Washington State.

The No. 9 Oregon Ducks got back on track with a 38-24 win over the Washington State Cougars on Saturday.

A big part of their offensive success was a career day from junior running back Bucky Irving. He scored three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving, while accounting for 180 total yards along the way.

But Autzen Stadium fell silent late in the second half when Irving didn't get up from an awkward tackle that twisted his lower half.

After a little bit of time he was able to walk off under his own power before entering the medical tent. Irving returned to the game as Bo Nix took a knee to seal the win.

Dan Lanning was asked for an update on the star running back after the game.

"I don't have an update right now, but I know he went in for the last play of the game so I think he's gonna be okay," he told reporters in Eugene. "Obviously want to be smart and I'll get an update from our medical staff."

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Irving has been a focal point of Oregon's offense in 2023 and his role only continues to grow as the team moves on from Noah Whittington's season-ending injury suffered in late September. 

The Ducks head coach was asked to describe the way Irving plays to someone who's never seen and he was more than complementary.

"I'd say his heart's pounding out of his chest. This dude's so passionate," Lanning said. "He cares so much for his teammates. Never goes down on first contact. Really selfless player and I think that shows up when you watch this guy play on the field."

The duo of Irving and sophomore running back Jordan James combined to rush for 232 of the team's 248 rushing yards on Saturday as the Oregon offense continues to root its identity in the ground attack.

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