Oregon’s Defensive Duo Brings the Hits-and the Humor-Into the College Football Playoff
As Oregon gears up for its College Football Playoff matchup, there’s no mistaking who’s been setting the tone on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher and safety Dillon Thieneman have been the heartbeat of the Ducks’ defense all season long-and they’re not slowing down now.
Between them, Boettcher and Thieneman led Oregon in tackles in nine of the Ducks’ 12 regular-season games. That’s not just consistency-it’s dominance.
Boettcher enters the postseason with a career-high 104 tackles, including four for loss, plus a sack, an interception, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Thieneman, no slouch himself, has racked up 67 stops, a sack, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
“It’s good having those guys back there flying around for us,” head coach Dan Lanning said. And it shows. Whether it’s Boettcher plugging gaps at the second level or Thieneman roaming the back end and making plays on the ball, these two have been everywhere for Oregon.
But it’s not just their production that’s turning heads-it’s their personality too.
After Oregon’s win over Washington, Boettcher and Thieneman were spotted wearing custom T-shirts featuring themselves in front of the letters “CCU”-short for Caucasian Collision Unit. It’s a tongue-in-cheek nickname the two defenders have embraced, and one that’s caught on with teammates and coaches alike.
“It was cool to see the outside perspective, appreciate that and think it’s pretty funny,” Boettcher said. “Especially all of our teammates love it, all of our coaches love it.”
The shirts, originally designed by Thieneman’s brother, got some traction before the initial run was shut down for undisclosed reasons. But a black-and-white version is now available, keeping the spirit of the CCU alive heading into the postseason.
The nickname might raise eyebrows, but inside the Oregon locker room, it’s all about the bond-and the bruises. The CCU isn’t just for show; it’s a reflection of the physical, hard-nosed way Boettcher and Thieneman play the game.
And if you’re wondering whether Coach Lanning qualifies for honorary membership, Boettcher and Thieneman are open to it-especially after hearing about Lanning’s playing days at William Jewell College, where he once broke his best friend’s leg during a game.
“If I can get video proof, then yeah, I mean he’s got to be in the unit,” Boettcher joked. “If you’re breaking dude’s legs on the field, that’s automatic.”
Thieneman chimed in with a laugh: “We might have to get him a shirt.”
What’s Next
Oregon, ranked No. 5, will host No. 12 James Madison (12-1) in a high-stakes College Football Playoff showdown at Autzen Stadium.
Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m. PT
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With Boettcher and Thieneman anchoring the defense and the Ducks riding high off a statement win, Oregon looks ready to make some noise in the postseason. The CCU is locked in-and the rest of the country is about to find out just how hard they hit.