How Oregon’s coach turned last year’s preparation ‘mistake’ into potential winning playoff strategy

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The scene following last year’s Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State wasn’t pretty. The game went sideways early, when then-No. 1-ranked Oregon fell behind 34-0 in the second quarter and lost 41-21 to the eventual national champions. Afterward, Ducks running back Noah Whittington sensed that some of his mentally and physically fatigued teammates, though disappointed with the loss, were somewhat relieved that the season had ended. “Players were kind of like, ‘Thank God,’” Whittington said during the Ducks media day ahead of Thursday’s playoff game against Texas Tech. “I was a little disappointed on the bus ride back. But guys were tired. Guys were hurt and beat up.” UO coach Dan...