Oregon Ducks Coach Shares Winning Strategy as They Forge Ahead
In the bustling city of Portland, Oregon’s head football coach Dan Lanning has some straightforward advice for his team heading into the critical moments of college football’s playoff race: “Just win. Just win.” That’s right, Lanning believes that the best way to ensure a spot in this season’s College Football Playoff (CFP) is simply to rack up those victories. If you can win, he argues, there’s no way for the selectors to overlook you.
The Road to Undefeated
Currently, the Ducks stand tall at 12-0, proudly claiming the title of the only undefeated team in college football as they gear up for an exhilarating showdown with Penn State in the upcoming Big Ten championship game. “If you just win, you can’t complain,” Lanning told local sports commentator on a radio show, cutting right to the heart of the matter.
This winning strategy has put Oregon in an enviable position within the CFP rankings. A victory against Penn State on Saturday not only secures them a top seed, but it also allows them to dictate their own fate in the playoff bracket. According to Lanning, this moment is all about the Ducks and what they have accomplished on the field.
Eyes on the Prize
Of course, winning doesn’t just earn you bragging rights; it translates directly into playoff positioning. Even if Oregon happens to fall short against Penn State, they still find themselves in a strong place—albeit without a first-round bye. However, Lanning is adamant that his strategy doesn’t leave room for any outside interference. “We control our destiny,” he emphasized, sticking to his motto that winning is the only focus. It’s all about keeping the eyes on the prize.
Critiquing the Critics
With the SEC dominating headlines and media attention, Lanning isn’t shy about acknowledging the influence of ESPN, which has a hefty contract with the Southeastern Conference. He pointedly remarked, “They pay the bills, right? Let’s not pretend it works differently than that.” And he has a solid point. The SEC does seem to have a grip on the system. But here’s where Lanning flips the script: regardless of what analysts or media pundits tout, there’s no denying a team with an unblemished record like Oregon’s.
Touching on the topic of teams feeling slighted by their standings—specifically, those three-loss squads such as Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina—Lanning made it clear where he stands: “If you lose three games, shame on you.” Harsh? Maybe. But for Lanning, it’s a healthy reminder that winning is what counts in college football.
The Stakes Are High
As the Ducks prepare for their crucial game this Saturday, it’s clear that the stakes couldn’t be higher. With everything on the line, from playoff positioning to the pride of being undefeated, Lanning’s mantra has never been more relevant. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the Ducks can maintain their perfect record and make a statement in the college football world.
So, as the countdown to kickoff ticks away, one thing is certain: Oregon has the chance to validate their season with another big win, following Lanning’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach. The only question left is—can they hold true to that promise? Only time will tell, but for now, Oregon fans are buzzing with anticipation!
