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Dan Lanning takes ‘next game up’ approach to Ohio State clash
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Dan Lanning knows his Oregon Ducks are about to face their toughest task of the season in Week 7.
The No. 3 Ducks welcome the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes to Autzen Stadium in what could be an instant classic. However, Lanning is doing his best to treat this as “just another game.”
Oregon and Ohio State both enter the game at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in B1G play. This game could have serious College Football Playoff implications, and Lanning was asked if this matchup would bring out a new level of competition from his team.
“I try to prepare for each game the same, you know, and certainly everyone knows this game and what its implications are,” explained Lanning. “But it is a game, right? It’s a game. It’s the next game. That’s why it’s the most important one.”
Lanning’s squad has gotten better as the season has gone on. The team won closer-than-expected matchups against Idaho and Boise State to start the season but has since won 3 blowout games in a row.
The Buckeyes have been much of the same. The team easily got past Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall, Michigan State, and Iowa. This Week 7 matchup will be the toughest game for both squads to this point in the season.
Lanning was also asked about his feelings on Oregon-Ohio State being the B1G’s next big rivalry.
“Yeah, it’s the next game. Like I said, the next game is the most important game. So certainly one we’re excited about,” said the coach.
Of course, this will be the 1st matchup between the teams as members of the B1G team. The Ducks and Buckeyes last played in 2021 when the Ducks won by a score of 35-28.
The Ducks and Buckeyes will kick off from Eugene on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.