Oregon’s Dan Lanning Took Direct Aim at Colorado’s Swagger in Epic Pregame Speech

The Oregon coach had his team fired up in the locker room with a fiery pregame speech.
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The Colorado hype train hit an all-time high heading into the Buffaloes’ massive tilt with No. 10 Oregon on Saturday in Eugene.

After winning just one game last season, No. 18 Colorado has started the season with a 3–0 record and a rise to national relevance under coach Deion Sanders.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has talked a big game entering Saturday’s contest, and it culminated with an epic pregame speech in the locker room.

“Rooted in substance. Not flash. Rooted in substance,” Lanning said. “Today, we talk with our pads. You talk with your helmet! Right? Every moment! The Cinderella story is over men! Right? They’re fighting for clicks. We’re fighting for wins. There’s a difference, right? There’s a difference. This game isn’t going to be played in Hollywood. It’s going to be played on the grass ... let’s go!”

It’s clear that this game is extremely meaningful to Lanning and the Ducks, who certainly looked to be a more complete product on paper heading into the game. Oregon has its sights set on a College Football Playoff appearance this season, and believes that Saturday is the first opportunity to make a statement that the school is one of the best in the sport this season.

Lanning wants nothing to do with the Colorado Cinderella story, and he let his players know it. Now it’s time to see if the Ducks can put the money where their mouth is.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.