Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the Big Ten’s scheduling practices during an interview with John Canzano of “The Bald-Faced Truth” radio show. Lanning highlighted the challenges his team faces this season with a rigorous travel schedule and opponents benefiting from additional preparation time.
The Ducks’ schedule requires them to travel approximately 16,770 miles, making it the third-most extensive travel requirement in college football. This demanding itinerary includes games against notable teams such as Penn State, Rutgers, Iowa, and Washington. Adding to the challenge, Oregon will face seven opponents who have extra rest days, including an important match against No. 3 Penn State this Saturday night.
Lanning humorously questioned whether the Big Ten intentionally made it difficult for the Ducks, joking, “It’s almost like they didn’t want us in the Big Ten, or something, right? We snuck our way in, didn’t we?” Despite the scheduling hurdles, the move to the Big Ten has brought Oregon greater national visibility, expanded recruiting opportunities, and an improved revenue outlook.
The Ducks are determined to overcome these challenges with grit and resilience. “The warriors control the environment,” Lanning remarked, emphasizing the team’s commitment to meet these challenges head-on. Their mindset, akin to the Marine Corps’ phrase “embrace the suck,” reflects their preparedness to confront each obstacle.
Oregon’s two bye weeks align with playing Indiana and Washington—both games where their opponents also benefit from an off-week. Despite these hurdles, the team remains focused and determined to take on the best efforts of their competitors, proudly donning their Nike gear as they tackle the season with enthusiasm and spirit.
With such a daunting schedule, the Ducks will have to rely on their depth and talent to prove their mettle in hostile environments and maintain their competitive edge throughout the season. Familiar with adversity, Oregon is steadfast in its goal to rise above the scheduling challenges and demonstrate their prowess on the field.