Dan Lanning clarifies 'YouTube video' comment ahead of Colorado matchup
Dan Lanning isn’t afraid of Colorado. During an appearance on SportsCenter on Friday, the Oregon head coach discussed the Saturday matchup.
“This will be the best atmosphere you’ve ever seen here,” Lanning said. “Autzen Stadium is gonna be rocking, can’t wait to see the fans out there doing their thing.”
Fuel to the fire
The face-off between the No. 10 Ducks and No. 19 Buffaloes will certainly garner no shortage of attention. Both teams are undefeated and led by vocal head coaches. Earlier on Friday, Lanning seemingly turned his voice toward CU head coach Deion Sanders, stating, “YouTube videos aren’t going to win you football games.”
Despite the odd comment, Lanning claims he has no beef with Sanders.
“I’m saying you got to play a football game. This is between the white lines. That’s where football is played. It’s not played on TV,” Lanning said. “Obviously, I’m always gonna defend the University of Oregon, right?
“I’m gonna focus on what we’re doing and how we’re making this organization great. Ultimately, it really has nothing to do with any other team. So that was my emphasis there. But if it’s fuel for the fire, great for them.”
Dan Lanning has a history with Colorado
This isn’t the first time Lanning has been linked with Colorado in headlines. In the offseason, Lanning gave his opinion on Colorado leaving the conference to join the Big 12. He didn’t hold back.
“Not a big reaction,” Lanning said. “I’m trying to remember what they won to affect this conference and I don’t remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don’t remember them winning anything.”
At the time, Lanning was right. Colorado went 1-11 in 2022, losing to Oregon 49-10. However, with Sanders in the driver’s seat, the program has done a U-turn. The Buffaloes boast wins over TCU, Nebraska and Colorado State.
Giving respect where respect is due
While Lanning doesn’t plan on allowing Colorado to add Oregon to its list, he acknowledged impressive job Sanders has done in Boulder.
“Coach Sanders has done a great job with this team,” Lanning said. “Obviously, they’re playing at a high level. It’s a completely different team than last year. But again, anything he says or I say, it doesn’t have a lot of impact on the game.”
Lanning isn’t openly stirring the pot, but there certainly seems to be a spoon in his hand. History has shown Colorado will use any extra motivation it can find. The two programs will clash at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ABC.